Page 32 - 2014 BestBuddies Massachussetts Annual Report

National Events 2014

BEST BUDDIES MONTH

What started 20 years ago as a one-day event has evolved into a month-long
celebration commemorating Best Buddies’ mission. Best Buddies Month,
which takes place each year in March, is a time for Best Buddies participants
to reflect on the importance of friendship, jobs, and the development of future
leaders. Most importantly, it is a time to show the world the significance of
these essentials in every individual’s life. In March 2014, entire chapters and
individual members showcased their passion for Best Buddies by participating
in community carnivals, regional dances, and school-wide assemblies.

CAPITOL HILL DAY

On March 2, 2014, Best Buddies participants and Special Olympics athletes, along
with coaches, program leaders and family members from 43 states, joined to urge
members of the House and Senate to continue a national commitment by the
U.S. congress to support both organizations through partial funding. More than
225 participants met face-to-face with members of congress in more than 275
scheduled meetings throughout the day. Best Buddies participants advocated for
the passing of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act of 2011 and the re-appropriating of
crucial seed funding for health, education and employment programs.

SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD

Best Buddies continues to play a significant role in eliminating the demeaning
use of the “R” word. The partnership with Special Olympics and dozens of other
organizations raises awareness of the hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)”
and encourages people to pledge to stop using it. Spread the Word to End
the Word holds its' annual day of awareness on the first Wednesday of every
March. However, people everywhere can help spread the word throughout their
communities and schools year-round through pledge drives, youth rallies and
online activation.

AN EVENING WITH TOM BRADY

An Evening with Tom Brady was a wonderful event, featuring a spectacular
dinner by esteemed chefs, silent auction, and a question & answer session
with Best Buddies Global Ambassador and New England Patriots Quarterback
Tom Brady. Houston Texans minority owners Javier Loya and Chuck Watson
and Olympian Carl Lewis were among notables at the event, hosted by Best
Buddies Board of Directors member Becca Cason Thrash. The event which
was held on May 13, 2014, raised $850,000 for the organization.

7th ANNUAL BEST BUDDIES DALLAS GALA

The Dallas Gala was an incredible event, featuring a gourmet dinner, live
and silent auctions, and a private concert, with Jan and Jeff Rich serving as
Honorary Chairs to help support Best Buddies endeavors in Texas.

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