unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.
See You in 2024
TBD | Honolulu, HI
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In deference to the people and communities impacted by the devastating wildfires on Maui, we will be cancelling our Best Buddies in Hawai’i Champion of the Year Friendship Jam, scheduled for November 12, 2023.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the wildfires. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our community members, participants, supporters, and the people of Maui. We stand in solidarity with them during this incredibly difficult time.
While we are saddened by having to cancel the Friendship Jam, we believe it is the only choice considering the circumstances. We understand the anticipation and excitement that comes with this wonderful event and we remain committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved when the time is right.
We are actively working to reschedule the Friendship Jam for next fall, and we look forward to bringing our community together once again to celebrate friendship and inclusion.
As we navigate these challenging times, let us stand behind the people of Maui and give our love and support to their communities. We will continue to offer our programming in both virtual and in-person formats so that everyone may participate.
We send our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support of Best Buddies in Hawai’i. Your dedication and passion are truly remarkable, and we couldn’t do what we do without you.
Mahalo nui loa for being an integral part of the Best Buddies in Hawai’i ‘ohana. Let’s continue to work together to create a more inclusive and compassionate world.
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 ten-week fundraising and awareness-raising campaign that unites and recognizes our communities’ most active leaders for inclusion. Our Champions are advocates for the Best Buddies mission and generate opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
On November 12th, Best Buddies in Hawai’i ‘ohana will celebrate the end of the campaign with our Champion of the Year Friendship Jam, an incredible concert with some of Hawaii’s most beloved musicians, as well as delicious food and drinks, a silent and live auction and, of course, our fabulous Ambassadors talking story. Come cheer our BBHI Champions’ collective impact and watch as we crown our Grand Champion Team of the Year!
You can support Best Buddies and continue to provide these meaningful programs for people with IDD by becoming a Champion, supporting a Champion’s campaign, purchasing tickets, becoming a corporate sponsor, or making a general donation to the cause. Join the movement!
Musical Guests
Congrats to our 2022 Hawai’i Champions of the Year
Brian Yano and Ho’opi’ookalani Balaz
Raised $24,000 for Best Buddies in Hawai’i
Click here for our Nationwide Champion Winners
A Glimpse of the Party…
Why Participate...
All funds raised benefit Best Buddies – the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down Syndrome, Autism, Fragile X, Williams Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.
