Best Buddies Friendship Walk

Best Buddies is a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Best Buddies Friendship Walk: ALABAMA is the latest life-changing movement. Since 2009 more than 200,000 participants have walked in over 30 states and raised more than $16 million for Best Buddies.

“Our Friendship Walks are one of Best Buddies’ most celebrated events, bringing communities together where they can experience our mission in action and engage with our program participants,” says Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “It is so inspirational to see the enthusiasm for the Best Buddies mission in ALABAMA. The participants significantly impact the lives of those with special abilities, and the employer partners in this community have empowered these individuals, and are actively making not just ALABAMA, but the world, a more inclusive place.”

Among those expected to attend this year include Jonathan Hardison from WRBC as this year’s emcee.

Best Buddies in Alabama is proud to have 215 (and counting) participants lacing up their shoes to walk for inclusion, all working towards surpassing the fundraising goal of $30,000. Registration begins at 10am at Oak Mountain State Park, South Trailhead. Following the walk, please join Best Buddies for a day of fun, family, fitness and friendship.

Proceeds from the Friendship Walk are fundamental in supporting state programs that provide one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development. These programs can be found in all 50 states and will create promising opportunities for more than 350,000 people this year.

Walk for inclusion. Walk for friendship. Walk for a better Alabama.

This year’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk in ALABAMA sponsors and corporate partners include Alabama Panhellenic Association, Brasfield & Gorrie, 84 Lumber, Milo’s, NAFCO and Dunkin’ Donuts.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:

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 more than 2,300 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 nearly 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 1.1 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 http://www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or twitter.com/bestbuddies.