Best Buddies International held their 12th Annual Best Buddies Challenge at Hearst Castle, a 100-mile cycling fundraiser in California from Carmel to San Simeon, on Saturday, September 12. There were more than 2,000 participant raising a total of $4.5 million in donations for the organization, a nonprofit organization that is driven by volunteers to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Challenge is open to people of all ages and abilities, showcasing the Best Buddies mission in action.
Best Buddies International strives to establish a worldwide movement that encourages personal friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with IDD. This program is in all 50 states nationwide and 50 countries around the world. With 8 different programs Best Buddies has positively impacted the lives of nearly 900,000 with and without disabilities worldwide. They help people with IDD live on their own, secure rewarding jobs, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. While Best Buddies has overcome many challenges there are many areas of the country and many regions of the world that still lack programs to help people with IDD become part of mainstream society. Best Buddies has committed themselves to continue to increase their outreach both domestically and overseas.
Their mission has touched and changed the lives of so many. We found the work that Best Buddies International provides to be truly inspirational and felt compelled to contribute to their mission. To donate or find out how you can help Best Buddies International please visit their website.
For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, www.facebook.com/bestbuddies orwww.twitter.com/bestbuddies.
Opening Ceremony
At the starting line
En route
Nothing but smiles on the trail
The finish line!
