Champion of the Year: Wisconsin
Unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.
5:00 PM | Milwaukee, WI
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!
Best Buddies in Wisconsin invites you to Champion of the Year: Cool Vibes, Classic Vinyl a high-fidelity celebration of inclusion, music, and community. This fun, mission-driven evening honors our Champion of the Year candidates, local advocates who are raising critical funds and awareness to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through Best Buddies friendship, jobs, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support programs.
Throughout the night, guests will enjoy an interactive vinyl-inspired atmosphere, classic hits, and compelling stories from Best Buddies Rock Stars. Browse and bid on auction items, enjoy the fabulous, curated chef’s dinner, and an opportunity to Give, Groove and Repeat.
The attire is Business Casual OR Elevated Concert Chic: anything from jeans and boots to a leather jacket (or pants!). Sequins, fringe, and lace are encouraged, or dress up your favorite concert T-shirt. Think the energy and style of Stagecoach, Coachella, SXSW, Hangout, Sphere, or Red Rocks, all in support of inclusion.
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🚗 Parking Note:
The Pfister has an attached parking structure that you are welcome to utilize. The entrance is located off Mason Street (N end of the block). Parking at The Pfister is first-come, first-served and will be in high demand during the event. If you are unable to park at The Pfister, we recommend the 411 E. Wisconsin lot. Located on the block just South of The Pfister, with the entrance is on Jefferson Street, this structure has plenty of spots. 411 East Wisconsin Center – Parking Garage 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: 9:30 PM
Location
The Pfister Hotel
Grand Ballroom
424 E. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Event Contact
Congrats to our 2025 Wisconsin Champion of the Year
Beanie
Raised over $25,000 for Best Buddies in Wisconsin
Wisconsin
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: