Champion of the Year: Wisconsin

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

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026

5:00 PM | Milwaukee, WI

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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!

🚗 Parking Note:

Parking at The Pfister Hotel is limited. We recommend checking for alternate parking structures nearby using Milwaukee Downtown’s Parking Guide.

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Schedule

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
VIP Reception:  5:00 PM
Doors Open:  5:30 PM
Dinner & Program: 7:00 PM
Event Ends: 9:00 PM

Location

The Pfister Hotel
Grand Ballroom
424 E. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Event Contact

CarolineTyson@bestbuddies.org
LauraBrackett@bestbuddies.org

Meet our Champion Candidates

COY Champion Beanie

Congrats to our 2025 Wisconsin Champion of the Year

Beanie

Raised over $25,000 for Best Buddies in Wisconsin

COY Champion Beanie
2025

Wisconsin

Beanie
$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

Kohls Sponsor Logo

Additional Sponsors

2025 BBWI BMO Sponsor Logo
2025 BBWI Core Home Sponsor Logo
2025 BBWI Four Leaf Financial Planning Sponsor Logo
2025 BBWI Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Sponsor Logo
2025 BBWI Jenter Technologies Sponsor Logo
2025 BBWI Johnson Financial Group Sponsor Logo
2025 BBWI Marcus Hotels & Resorts Sponsor Logo
2025 BBWI Northwestern Mutual Sponsor Logo
2025 BBWI von Briesen & Roper Sponsor Logo
2025 BBWI WaterStone Bank Sponsor Logo

For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact:

CarolineTyson@bestbuddies.org
LauraBrackett@bestbuddies.org