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Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala Oct. 22

By Staff | Oct 20, 2021

Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is excited to announce its annual Champion of the Year Gala hosted by Best Buddies in Southwest Florida.

Champion of the Year is an annual fundraising competition that features a select group of individuals, professionals and prominent community leaders. These philanthropic trailblazers compete to raise awareness for the IDD community and the most funds for Best Buddies to earn the ultimate title of Grand Champion of the Year. By reaching out to the community to raise funds and spread awareness, candidates champion for Best Buddies, the mission of inclusion, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The event will take place on Friday, Oct. 22, at Spanish Wells Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs. The Champion of the Year Gala will celebrate the efforts of 14 philanthropic leaders from Southwest Florida while partying with a purpose to raise funds to sustain and expand Best Buddies programs in Southwest Florida. Currently there are Best Buddies chapters at 37 schools, elementary to college, along with the adult Citizens program. The gala will feature a silent and live auction, dinner, cocktails, dancing, a keynote address from a Best Buddies buddy pair and a special awards ceremony.

The 2021 Champion candidates include: Matthew Boggan, Design MNB Web Design Studio; Edye Button, Cash Flow Strategies Business Coaching; Cody Eads, Florida Division of Vocational Rehab; Laura Georgelos, Coldwell Banker Realty; Haley Marra, FGCU student; Kevin Montoya, Vera Bradley @ Miromar Outlets; Laura Morrina, Embassy Creek Elementary School; Alexis Poore, Publix; Sheena Reagan, Zimco Entertainment; Char Seuffert, Brightway Insurance, the Seuffert Agency; Mary Shea, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Team Lenny & Kristine: Lenny Cannova and Kristine Skaarsgard, Modern Woodmen of America; and Dre White, I Want That Yummy.

Visit www.bestbuddieschampion.org/southwestflorida for more information and to purchase tickets for the event.