You’ve Got A Friend

Best Buddies Palm Beach will hold its 2019 Champion of the Year Gala on Nov. 1 at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens.

In its third year, the gala, themed Heroes of Inclusion, will celebrate eight local philanthropic leaders who have engaged in a 10-week fundraising campaign to raise money and awareness for Best Buddies programs. In 2018, the gala netted more than $110,000 to support the mission of empowering individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Palm Beach County and along the Treasure Coast.

This year, the Champion of the Year Gala, hosted by Channel 25’s Tiffany Kenney, will present its first Honorary Champion of the Year Award to actor Antonio Sabato Jr. for his outstanding dedication to Best Buddies and its mission of inclusion for all.

Decorated by acclaimed Palm Beach designer Bruce Sutka, the gala will feature a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing. It will conclude with naming the much-anticipated 2019 Palm Beach Champion of Year. The Boca Raton Observer is an event sponsor.

Best Buddies is a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, the organization has grown to include nearly 2,500 middle school, high school and college chapters worldwide. O

For more information, visit bestbuddieschampion.org/palmbeach.