Champion of the Year: Western NY

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

November 20, 2025

6:00 PM | Rochester, NY

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

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!

2025 BBNY Peace Loce and 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!

Join us November 20th at the Harro East Ballroom for our signature fall event celebrating the 2025 Champion of the Year Nominees. This event has helped Best Buddies WNY raise almost $500,000 for programming over the past 7 years. This year come in your tie die best and enjoy an incredible night of inclusion.

Schedule

Thursday, November 20, 2025
Event Begins: 6:00 PM
Event Ends: 11:00 PM

Location

Harro East Ballroom
155 N Chestnut St
Rochester, NY 14604

Event Contact

LindsayJewett@bestbuddies.org

Meet our Champion Candidates

Team Dave Nicchitta and Katie Frost

Congrats to our 2024 Western NY Champion of the Year

Team Dave Nicchitta and Katie Frost

Raised $3,715 for Best Buddies in Western NY

Team Dave Nicchitta and Katie Frost
2024

New York: Western NY

Team Dave Nicchitta and Katie Frost
$3,715

A Glimpse of the Party...

2025 BBNY WNY COY Images 8
2025 BBNY WNY COY Images 7
2025 BBNY WNY COY Images 6
2025 BBNY WNY COY Images 5
2025 BBNY WNY COY Images 4
2025 BBNY WNY COY Images 3
2025 BBNY WNY COY Images 2
2025 BBNY WNY COY Images 1
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

Person Centered Services Sponsor Logo
Buffalo Sabres Sponsor Logo
Golisano Foundation Sponsor Logo
The Lake House
Camp Smile
Howe and rustling

For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact:

LindsayJewett@bestbuddies.org