Champion of the Year: Columbus
Unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.
6:00 PM | Columbus, OH
Thank You!
Thank you for participating in this year’s Champion of the Year event! Because of you, we were able to raise funds to sustain and help expand our Best Buddies programs in the area. We look forward to having you at next year’s event. With your help and support, our mission of inclusion lives on!
Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes leaders of inclusion in local communities nationwide.
Champion Candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies throughout their campaign. Our Champions advocate for the Best Buddies mission and will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support. At the Best Buddies Champion of the Year celebration, we honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year!
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Schedule
Friday, November 14, 2025
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Dinner & Program: 7:15 PM
Event Ends: 9:00 PM
Location
Annunciation Banquet and Conference Center
555 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Event Contact
Congrats to our 2024 Columbus Champion of the Year
Sue LeDonne Girardi & Julie Panzera Mission Partner: Joey Tullis
In photo (Left to right): Sharla Thomas, Alex Rgers (Gala Co-Chairs), Joey Tullis, Sue LeDonne Girardi (not photoed: Julie Panzera)
Raised $23,816 for Best Buddies in Columbus
Ohio: Columbus
A Glimpse of the Party...
Why Participate...
All funds raised benefit Best Buddies – the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.
We Love our Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Signature Sponsor
Additional Sponsors
For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact: