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Champion of the Year: Southwest Florida

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

November 8, 2025

6:00 PM | Fort Myers, FL

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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!

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Schedule

Saturday, November 8, 2025
Doors Open / Cocktail Hour:  6:00 PM
Dinner & Program: 8:00 PM
Event Ends: 11:00 PM

Location

TBD

Event Contact

RebeccaBoyd@bestbuddies.org

Meet our Champion Candidates

Top Fundraisers
SWFL Champion of the Year Michelle and Allison

Congrats to our 2024 Southwest Florida Champion of the Year

Michelle Smith & Allison Reiter

Raised $14,393 for Best Buddies in Southwest Florida

SWFL Champion of the Year Michelle and Allison
2024

Florida: Southwest

Michelle Smith & Allison Reiter
$14,393

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

Additional Sponsors

Fifth Third Sponsor Logo
Golisano Childrens Hospital Sponsor Logo
Gulf Shore Cooling Sponsor Logo
Jack Hanania Honda Sponsor Logo
Modern Woodmen Sponsor Logo

For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact:

RebeccaBoyd@bestbuddies.org