Champion of the Year: Georgia

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

November 6, 2026

7:00 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!

Event Image

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: Christine Sperow

Christine Sperow is an award-winning journalist and anchor for FOX 5 Atlanta. A University of Georgia graduate, Christine has more than two decades of experience in broadcast journalism and has earned multiple regional Emmy Awards. Beyond the newsroom, she is passionate about giving back to her community, supporting charitable initiatives, and mentoring aspiring journalists. Best Buddies in Georgia is thrilled to welcome Christine as the emcee for the 2026 Champion of the Year Gala, celebrating the champions who support inclusion and create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Schedule

Friday, November 6th
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Dinner & Program: 8:00 PM
Event Ends: 10:30 PM

Location

Georgia Aquarium – Ocean’s Ballroom
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

What to Wear

Driving Directions

Event Contact

StephenBarwick@bestbuddies.org

Valerie Madison, Co-Chair
Reshell Baldini, Co-Chair

Meet our Champion Candidates

COY Champions Todd Croom and Sam Hicks

Congrats to our 2025 Georgia Champion of the Year

Todd Croom and Sam Hicks

Raised $25,000 for Best Buddies in Georgia

COY Champions Todd Croom and Sam Hicks
2025

Georgia

Todd Croom and Sam Hicks
$25,000

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
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Bridget Taylor Sponsor
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2025 BBGA Fortress Consulting Sponsor Logo
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For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact:


StephenBarwick@bestbuddies.org