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Best Buddies in Virginia & DC Homecoming: Champions Gala
Friday, December 2, 2022
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Fancy party attire! We invite you to enjoy the evening!
6:00PM - 7:30PM: Chef Tasting Stations, Open Bar & Silent Auction
8:00PM: Desserts, Live Auction & Live Appeal
Introduction of Champion Candidates & Mission Partners
9:30PM: Announcement of the Champion of the Year!
The HOMECOMING-Champions Gala raises critical funds for our Best Buddies in Virginia & DC programs. The event will combine our Champions of Inclusion competition that celebrates emerging leaders throughout the Virginia & Washington, DC community and a Homecoming Dance for our Best Buddies students .
At this exciting combined-event, adults will bid on items in both Silent and Live Auctions and enjoy music and drinks, and savor tasty dishes from a select group of favorite Washington DC Metropolitan area restaurants with chefs teaming up with Buddy Sous Chefs to serve their signature dishes, including: Bourbon Steak, Carmine's, Founding Farmers, Good Stuff Eatery, Lebanese Taverna, Mayflower, Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center Executive Chef, Stellina and Taco Bamba.
The evening will culminate in the naming the ultimate CHAMPION of the YEAR for Virginia & Washington DC. Throughout the evening, Best Buddies students will dance the night away at their Homecoming Dance with DJ, pizza, fun and friendship!
Our Best Buddies Champions are advocates for the Best Buddies mission and their multi-week fundraising campaigns generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). On the night of December 2nd, we will celebrate at our Best Buddies Homecoming Gala to honor the Champions' collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year for Virginia & DC!
Event Parking
Exciting news! Our friends at Alto have generously provided promo codes for EVERYONE to use for $15 off two rides with Alto in December! Use promocode: BESTBUDDIESPROM the evening of the Gala to arrive worry-free, or use it anytime in December. See details below:
Online Bidding FAQ
How do I participate on GiveSmart?
You must register to place bids, purchases, or a donation. Just follow these steps:
1. Click Sign Up to Bid: Register NOW
2. Enter the required information.
3. Click Create my GiveSmart Account
How do I bid on silent or live auction items?
1. Once you are registered - Click the blue link within the Welcome text or personal link button from within the Welcome email.
2. From our Home page, click "Items", browse then select an item.
3. Choose amount - Use the pre-populated minimum bid or enter a higher amount. You can also set up Auto bid.
4. Click Bid
How do I know if I have been outbid?
You will be notified via text message if you have been outbid. If you are not receiving text messages make sure you have the correct mobile number under your profile.
How will I know if the auction has closed?
The auction will close during the evening of December 2nd, however you do not need to be present at the Homecoming Gala to bid or win! You will be notified leading up to the closing via text message. Once it closes and you have won an item you will receive a text message about your win!
I really want an item! How can I better my chances?
That is great news! To keep from being outbid too often, you can set an Auto Bid. The software will automatically bid by your predetermined increment until your max bid has been met or the silent auction ends. Keep an eye on your favorite items throughout the night to make sure you continue to bid!
How do I receive my items if I win?
Congrats! You will receive a text notifying you that you won item(s). You are required to make the payment for your items prior to receiving them the night of the Homecoming Gala. You will then receive an email with instructions on receiving or picking up your items.
Please note: All bids are final and binding. There will be no exchanges, alterations, or refunds on items. Please note any restrictions or expiration dates stipulated by the prize donor as noted in the item description. We are not responsible or liable for any discrepancies. All items are "as is".
The winner will need to pick up this item from the Homecoming: Champions Gala on December 2nd or at the Best Buddies Virginia & DC office: 7694L Tysons Corner Center, Tysons, VA.
If items are not picked up by 12/21/2022 they will be forfeited & will be used again to benefit Best Buddies.
**Shipping is available for your items. Winning bidders are responsible for any shipping & insurance charges. Contact: [email protected] to discuss shipping.
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