Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala
Unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.
6:00 PM | Washington, DC
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!
Join us for the Best Buddies Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala—an unforgettable evening dedicated to friendship, inclusion, and raising critical funds for Best Buddies programs across Virginia and Washington, DC. Held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC, this one-of-a-kind celebration brings together supporters of all ages for a night of purpose and joy.
On one side of the venue, guests at the adult gala will enjoy tasty bites prepared by local chefs and their Best Buddies sous chef while bidding on fabulous auction items and supporting Champion Candidates in their competitive fundraising quest to be crowned the ultimate Champion of the Year. Meanwhile, just steps away in the atrium, students and Best Buddies participants with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) will dance the night away at a fully inclusive Homecoming experience created just for them.
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About the Adult Gala
Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes leaders of inclusion in local communities nationwide.
Adult supporters will indulge in culinary delights crafted by local chefs and their Best Buddies sous chefs, along with delicious drinks and cocktails. Additionally, guests can participate in silent and live auctions featuring fantastic items from our community and beyond!
We will honor our incredible Champion of the Year candidates, who have dedicated themselves to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies. These Champions advocate for our mission, creating opportunities for friendships, jobs, and leadership development for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The evening will culminate in the announcement of the ultimate Champion of the Year for Virginia and Washington, DC.
The Adult Party is open to anyone over the age of 21 who would like to support our Best Buddies programs! There are a variety of levels available for access to the event. If you are a member of our Best Buddies programs and are in need of financial assistance, please email MarySchafhauser@bestbuddies.org to arrange.
About the Student Dance
Students will enjoy an exciting night with DJ 24/7, dancing, pizza, fun, and friendship. Taking place in the atrium, this event is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and make lifelong memories with your friends!
The Student Dance is only open to Best Buddies High School and College Chapter members along with Best Buddies Jobs, Transitions, Ambassadors, or Citizens members up to age 26. No alcohol is allowed inside the student dance, and no one under the influence will be allowed into the event.
Save the Date & Join Us
Our goal is to raise $275,000 to support local Best Buddies programs here in Virginia & DC. You can contribute by supporting a Champion’s campaign, purchasing tickets, sponsoring a student ticket, becoming a corporate sponsor, or making a general donation. Thank you!
Whether you’re a philanthropic community member excited for a night out with a purpose or a high school student ready to dance, we invite you to join us for an evening filled with joy, excitement, and the spirit of friendship. Your participation will help us continue providing meaningful opportunities to individuals with IDD in our community. Don’t miss out on this fun, thrilling, and impactful event!
Schedule
Friday, October 24, 2025
Program for the Adult Party:
6:00pm-7:45pm: Silent Auction, Open Bar, Chef & Buddy Sous Chef Tasting Stations
8:00pm-10:00pm: Live Auction, Introduction of Champions, Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Award sponsored by Tiffany & Co., Mission Moments & Naming of THE Champion of the Year.
Program for Student
Homecoming Dance:
6:00pm-10:00pm: Dancing, Music with DJ 24/7, Pizza, Games, Photo Booths and Fun!
Location
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
Directions & Information for the Ronald Reagan Building
We recommend that everyone arrive via the 14th Street Entrance – view directions
Event Contact
Congrats to our 2025 Washington, DC Champion of the Year
Abby Criswell & Lisa Rice
Raised $28,130 for Best Buddies in Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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
Restaurant Sponsors
For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact: