These ladies are back to defend their 2020 COY crowns!!! Dedicated champions for friendship and inclusion, this campaign is one of their favorite ways to spend time together while supporting a great cause. Be on the lookout for some seriously fun auction items with their names on them!

boB is a dedicated supporter investing regularly to bridge gaps between people with and without IDD. He is taking his commitment to our mission to the next level! boB and his campaign manager Darryl are partnered for the Best Buddies COY Campaign but will continue their connection as they both work at Microsoft.

"Best Buddies has been a great addition to our program at Mount Tabor High School. It is a force of change to include students with special needs in our school culture. It is an opportunity for our peer buddies to grow and into people that see love, and learn from people with special needs. It is a 'win-win' for us all!" -June

Some time ago, David worked for a company with a philosophy rooted in the realization of human potential. It was one of the most rewarding jobs he ever had. Best Buddies shares these values and through supporting us, he wants to make a difference in the lives of people throughout NC!

Dick has always admired Best Buddies for the work they do on behalf of the disabilities community. When he heard that Best Buddies was expanding to include adults with the Citizens program, he immediately contacted us. "We have been thrilled with Brent's new buddy, Kyle. I am also looking forward to helping with Best Buddies NC next step of helping find job opportunities for our community."

"Ella and I want everyone to have the opportunity to develop the type of friendship we have made over the last four years. We want everyone all over the world, not just NC, to know about Best Buddies and how it's positively impacted both of our lives. We are excited to help raise money to bring the Job Program to NC to give people with IDD the same job opportunities to look forward to as their peers."

Matt is known for many things from being one half of Matt & Ramona on 107.9 The Link to his new podcast The Murdaugh Family Murders, but our favorite thing is being a CHAMPION for inclusion!!! Matt is back competing for the Champion of the Year title in 2021 AND returning as event emcee!!! In Matt's words, "We are trying to make up for the year that wasn't #inclusionliveshere #coy2021".

"I have always taken my large circle of friends for granted, so when I heard a girl with Down Syndrome say that 'making friends was one of the hardest things she's ever had to do', it had a real impact on me. I'm competing this year because I've seen firsthand the life-changing impact Best Buddies has on both people in a buddy pair and their extended family and friends!" -Liam

Chelsea and Grant call Wilmington, NC home and would love nothing more than to build a strong presence of Best Buddies chapters in their local elementary, middle and high schools. Any contributions and donations during this campaign will help us to do just that!

"My older brother has autism and is a contributing, independent, and joyful member of our community. This would not have been possible without opportunities that allowed him to grow in all aspects of life. That is why programs like Best Buddies are so important. We can ALL give something back to the greater good, when we are supported, empowered, and represented." -Caroline

"Mollie and I have been buddies at NC State for more than 2 years now and I can truly say she is one of the best parts of this whole mission. The one-to-one lifetime friendship that we have made will go way beyond college. Whenever I am having a bad day or just want to smile, I know to text or call Mollie and she will be there!" -Haley

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