This is a once in a Best Buddies lifetime honor as you take on this prestigious role of Grand Marshal of the 2026 Best Buddies VADC Friendship Walk on the National Mall, April 25th.

New this year: you'll lead us off in style on the official lead golf cart!

Previous Winners Include:

• John Drew
• Lee Brown
• Brandon Elledge
• Sam Perry
• Nathaniel Hong
• Special guest: Sam Cosmi

Who will be next?

This Friendship Walk is the largest of all Best Buddies Walks! You will join our Friendship Walk Emcee Eileen Whelan from WJLA7 on stage to welcome the walkers, before you lead the 2000+ crowd down the Mall on the Walk course by giving the Best Buddies Cheer and officially start the Walk at the front of the starting line with your family and friends.
You'll also be featured in the official Walk video; have a special Walk 2026 flag designating you as the 2026 Grand Marshal and have as many photo ops with Best Buddies as you like!

Your role as Grand Marshal will be acknowledged publicly in all media releases, highlighting your commitment to Best Buddies.

This is a once in a Best Buddies lifetime honor as you take on this prestigious role of Grand Marshal of the 2026 Best Buddies VADC Friendship Walk on the National Mall, April 25th.

New this year: you'll lead us off in style on the official lead golf cart!

Previous Winners Include:

• John Drew
• Lee Brown
• Brandon Elledge
• Sam Perry
• Nathaniel Hong
• Special guest: Sam Cosmi

Who will be next?

This Friendship Walk is the largest of all Best Buddies Walks! You will join our Friendship Walk Emcee Eileen Whelan from WJLA7 on stage to welcome the walkers, before you lead the 2000+ crowd down the Mall on the Walk course by giving the Best Buddies Cheer and officially start the Walk at the front of the starting line with your family and friends.
You'll also be featured in the official Walk video; have a special Walk 2026 flag designating you as the 2026 Grand Marshal and have as many photo ops with Best Buddies as you like!

Your role as Grand Marshal will be acknowledged publicly in all media releases, highlighting your commitment to Best Buddies.

Supporting Team Darius Teel & Will McClennan

Best Buddies Champion of the Year Candidate, Darius Teel, loves baking and eating sweet treats, and he's excited to share one with you!

Enjoy Darius's delicious Gluten Free Apple Dump Cake, perfect for the fall or any occasion, made with lots of Best Buddies love.

Restrictions:

Must meet in the DC Metro area or be accessible by Metro to Maryland. Expires 05/15/2026

In support of team Kirsten & Sharesa

Stay cozy and stylish with this set of three handmade scarves, each uniquely crafted by Kirsten. Expertly designed with attention to detail, these scarves blend comfort, warmth, and artistry, making them perfect for layering, gifting, or adding a touch of handmade elegance to any outfit.

Each scarf is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the care and creativity of a true artisan-bringing both style and soul to your wardrobe.

Restrictions:

The winning bidder must pick up this item at the event or from the Best Buddies Virginia & DC office by December 1, 2025. Items not claimed by this date will be forfeited without refund. Shipping is not provided, and any shipping arrangements or costs are the responsibility of the winner.

In support of team Kirsten & Sharesa

Wrap yourself in craftsmanship and comfort with this handmade queen-size quilt, lovingly stitched with exquisite detail and care.

Each piece of fabric has been thoughtfully selected and artfully arranged, creating a timeless design that's both beautiful and functional. Perfect as a cozy addition to your home or a heartfelt gift, this quilt is truly one of a kind-its value is priceless. A stunning example of artistry, tradition, and warmth woven together.

Restrictions:

The winning bidder must pick up this item at the event or from the Best Buddies Virginia & DC office by December 1, 2025. Items not claimed by this date will be forfeited without refund. Shipping is not provided, and any shipping arrangements or costs are the responsibility of the winner.

Kickstart your musical journey with this electric guitar, paired with lessons from Best Buddies Manager of Transitions, Jack Beckner!

Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to try something new, these fun and supportive lessons offer a hands-on introduction to playing the guitar in a relaxed, encouraging setting. Whether you want to learn a few favorite songs or just explore your love of music, this package is a playful and inspiring way to make your first chords sing.

Restrictions:

Lessons scheduled on a mutually agreed upon date and location.

The winning bidder must pick up this item at the event or from the Best Buddies Virginia & DC office by December 1, 2025. Items not claimed by this date will be forfeited without refund. Shipping is not provided, and any shipping arrangements or costs are the responsibility of the winner.

The Great Best Buddies Bake Off - VADC Office Style

Your choice of savory bite, brought to you by State Director, Molly Whalen!

Molly's homemade mashed potatoes - the creamiest, tastiest mashed potatoes - perfect for Thanksgiving or a family dinner - can be made ahead of time and kept in refrigerator - and reheated at meal time (they are just as good reheated)!

Want something more? Choose Molly's homemade Shepherd's Pie - creamy mashed potatoes with savory ground beef, sauce, and fresh corn all baked with cheese topping!

Restrictions:

Mutually agreed upon date, must be within the DC/Northern Virginia area. Expires 5/1/2026.

Great Best Buddies Bake Off - VADC Office Style

The famous ice cream subscription is back, brought to you by our Program Supervisor - Veah Velasco!

Indulge your sweet tooth with a four-month ice cream subscription! The lucky winner will receive two custom pints each month, choosing any flavor you desire or opting for the fun "Surprise Me!" selection. From classic favorites to unique creations, this subscription is perfect for ice cream lovers looking to explore new tastes and satisfy their cravings. Treat yourself or share the joy with friends and family-this delicious experience is sure to delight all year long!

Restrictions:

Must be redeemed by October 31st, 2026

The Great Best Buddies Bake Off - VADC Office Style!

Treat yourself to homemade comfort with King Arthur Cinnamon Rolls, lovingly baked by Director of Development, Mary Schafhauser.

These soft, golden rolls are filled with warm cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a rich icing-perfect for sharing (or not!) at breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a little sweetness in your day.

Restrictions:

Must be redeemed by April 1st, 2026. Must be located within the DMV area.

The Great Best Buddies Bake Off - VADC Office Style!

Savor a slice of sunshine with Lead Employment Consultant, Jack Massingill's homemade Key Lime Pie!

This classic dessert features a tangy, creamy filling in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with just the right touch of whipped cream. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tart-fresh, bright, and baked with love.

Restrictions:

Must be located within the DMV area. Must be redeemed by 5/1/2026.

The Great Best Buddies Bake Off - VADC Office Style!

Indulge in this elevated take on a classic chocolate chip cookie by Lead Program Manager, Grace Killius!

Mixed with your choice of chocolate (dark, semi-sweet, milk, or white), these sweet and savory cookies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Voucher is good for 2 dozen cookies. Request frozen dough with baking instructions, or baked and ready to be devoured!

Restrictions:

Must be redeemed by 5/1/2026. Must be located within the DMV or Richmond Area!

The Great Best Buddies Bake Off - VADC Office Style!

Indulge in a beautifully crafted, custom vegan coconut cake designed by Best Buddies in VA & DC's very own Development Coordinator, Sidonia Cannon. Made with the finest plant-based ingredients, this cake is a perfect blend of flavor and texture, topped with delicious seasonal adornments tailored to your occasion. Ideal for celebrations, special events, or just because-this cake is a delightful treat everyone will love!

Restrictions:

Must claim by June 30, 2026. Must meet in an agree upon location in the DMV area. Not able to ship.

The Great Best Buddies Bake Off - VADC Office Style!

Enjoy decadent chocolate chip banana bread muffins, the perfect treat for a cold fall day, baked by VA/DC's Deputy Director of Jobs and Transitions, Samaria Dellorso!

Kindly request milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips for your dozen!

Restrictions:

Must be located within the DMV. Redeem by October 24, 2026

The Great Best Buddies Bake Off - VADC Office Style!

Baked with love by Claire Pascocello, Senior Program Manager for Best Buddies in Virginia & DC, these homemade cookies are as sweet as her passion for inclusion!

Each batch is made from scratch with care. Work with her to make the cookies of your dreams! Whether you're sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these cookies are a true treat-made by one of Best Buddies' own!

Restrictions:

Must be redeemed by 10/24/2026. Must be within the Metro radius.

The Great Best Buddies Bake Off -VADC Office Style!

Indulge in a decadent, homemade tiramisu crafted by Hibaq Isse, Employment Consultant for Best Buddies in Virginia & DC.

Layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa, this classic Italian dessert is the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Made with care and a touch of love, Hibaq's tiramisu is sure to delight any sweet tooth and leave you coming back for just one more bite!

Restrictions:

Must be within the DMV area. Must be redeemed by 10/24/2026

No promises on quality, but major promises on the heart put into it - Jack M. Lead Employment Consultant with Best Buddies in Virginia & DC will do his best to paint whatever you like; you will likely receive a better painting if you request a simple Bob Ross-esque landscape or a bird!

Don't miss this chance to own a one-of-a-kind Jack M Masterpiece!

Restrictions:

Timeline based on availability. Shipping costs not covered. Must be redeemed by April 1st, 2026