Event raises awareness and funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ohio

(Columbus, OH ‒ October 11, 2018) Best Buddies Ohio will hold its annual Friendship Walk to support inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) on Saturday, November 10, 2018.

WHERE:           BrewDog USA – 96 Gender Rd. Canal Winchester, OH 43110

WHEN:             November 10: 10 am-Noon

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk plays a key role in raising awareness and funding programs dedicated to helping individuals with IDD become more independent and valued members of our society. Since the walk’s inception in 2009, more than 75,000 participants in 46 cities have walked to raise awareness for inclusion, friendship, leadership and opportunity for people with IDD.

 “I hope people who are interested in Best Buddies Ohio will join us at this gathering to learn about our mission and ask our dedicated volunteers and staff how to get involved. Whether you just want to learn about what we do, donate, or learn how to volunteer, you should be at this event! We are kicking off this key fundraising event but will also be updating on the state of Ohio programs and hearing from some of our participants that evening,” said Taylor Exner, walk Co-Chair.

Proceeds from the walk will go towards supporting and growing the number of Best Buddies Ohio middle school, high school, and college school friendship chapters where students with IDD form friendships with their peers, as well as other Best Buddies programs such as ambassador trainings where individuals with IDD develop public speaking, self-advocacy and communications skills. There are currently 24 school friendship chapters and more than 50 trained ambassadors in Ohio. The organization hopes to double these numbers in 2019 with funding from the event.

“The number of individuals with IDD in Ohio who are benefiting from Best Buddies’ programs continues to grow,” said Kelsey Fox, walk Co-Chair. “Donations by individuals and corporate sponsors are vital to Best Buddies’ ability to create inclusive cultures in our schools and to empower people with IDD. We hope that advocates of our mission will take part in the walk, but if unable to attend, make a charitable donation,” said Fox.

For information, please contact the Ohio State Director, Catlin Layton at [email protected] or by calling 813-514-5818.

About Best Buddies

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 2,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, and Promoters — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 1.2 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit bestbuddies.org/ohio, facebook.com/bestbuddiesohio, or twitter.com/bestbuddiesohio.

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