Champion of the Year: Georgia

Unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.

Friday, November 7, 2025

6:30 PM | Atlanta, GA

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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!

Emcee: Johnathan Martin

We are thrilled to announce that the dynamic and engaging Jonathan Martin will be the EMCEE for the 2025 Champion of the Year Gala! 🏆 An Emmy-nominated news anchor, Jonathan brings over 15 years of journalism experience and a deep-rooted passion for community engagement. The Atlanta native returned to his hometown in 2023 to join 11Alive News, where he anchors the station's morning newscast. Last year, he was honored by the Atlanta Press Club for Excellence in Television Reporting. Join us for an unforgettable evening as Jonathan Martin hosts the 2025 Champion of the Year Gala, celebrating excellence and community spirit.

Event Co Chairs: Reshell Baldini & Danielle Hegedus
Partnership Chair: Araba Dowell
Auction Chair: Jimmy Rabb
PR Chair: Salima Fetter
Logistics Chair: Valerie Madison
Mission Chair: Amit Bedi

Schedule

Friday, November 7, 2025
Doors Open:  6:30 PM
Dinner & Program: 7:30 PM
Event Ends: 10:30 PM

Location

Buckhead Theatre
3110 Roswell Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305

Event Contact

CatherineJustice@bestbuddies.org
StephenBarwick@bestbuddies.org

Meet our Champion Candidates

Champions Hannah and Martha

Congrats to our 2024 Georgia Champion of the Year

Hannah Jenkins & Martha Haythorn

Raised $22,000 for Best Buddies in Georgia

Champions Hannah and Martha
2024

Georgia

Hannah Jenkins & Martha Haythorn
$22,000

A Glimpse of the Party...

Best Buddies Logo

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

insight global
JLL Sponsor Logo
Fiserv Sponsor Logo
2025 BBGA Property Works Sponsor Logo
2025 BBGA Southern Office Installations Sponsor Logo
2025 BBGA Fortress Consulting Sponsor Logo
Titos Vodka Sponsor Logo
ryan logo
Caring Crew Sponsor Logo

For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact:

CatherineJustice@bestbuddies.org
StephenBarwick@bestbuddies.org