Champion of the Year: Washington
Unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.
6:00 PM | Seattle, WA
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!
Our Champion of the Year Gala was an unforgettable celebration of our mission, filled with joyful moments, heartfelt generosity, and few unforgettable surprises. Highlights included Sir Mix-A-Lot in a lively bidding war for Seahawks tickets, Seattle Kraken player Frederick Gaudreau sharing his personal connection to Best Buddies, and Paul Brooks, Jr. sharing his story of forgiveness and gratitude. The evening culminated with champions and mission partners coming together on stage to sing along to Stand by Me with performer Kelley Johnson. Thanks to your support, we raised over $186,500 that will directly impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Washington.
We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 Top Champion of the Year: Acacia MacDonald!
Alongside her Mission Partner, Maddy McCrosky, this incredible team raised over $47,600 during the campaign. Their dedication and passion truly represent the spirit of Best Buddies.
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!
Schedule
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Check-in opens at 6:00 pm
Silent Auction, Cocktails & Appetizers 6:00 pm
Seated Three Course Dinner 7:30 pm
Live Auction, Presentation, & Crowning of the 2025 Champion of the Year 7:30-9:30 pm
After Party Celebration & Dancing 9:30-11:00 pm
Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer, Matt Lorch
Cocktail or formal attire
RSVP by November 20, 2025
Location
Amazon Meeting Center
2031 7th Ave.
Seattle, WA
Free parking in the Amazon Doppler Building parking garage entrances off 6th Ave. or Lenora St.
Event Contact
Congrats to our 2025 Washington Champion of the Year
Acacia MacDonald & Maddy McCrosky
Raised $47,600 for Best Buddies in Washington
Washington
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: