Photo courtesy of Best Buddies International
Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), announced its 2024 Champion of the Year fundraising drive with a goal of $400,000 to benefit its 2024 Champion of the Year Gala.
“This year’s goal is crucial that we achieve this financial commitment,” says co-chair Lynsey Kane. “I am very proud to announce the appointment of my co-chair, 26-year-old Hunter Huff, who will be the first person with an IDD to serve as chair of the annual gala for Palm Beach County. I first met Hunter eight years ago at a Best Buddies event, and we have been friends ever since. I am striving to help to provide that Hunter, along with others with IDDs, have the opportunity to live on their own in the new planned Best Buddies Living home.”
Huff, who’s been involved with Best Buddies for over 10 years, has attended two annual conferences, been appointed a Global Ambassador, participated in the Hyannisport Challenge and spoken alongside Shriver in Washington, D.C. “I have forged so many new friendships and met people from around the world as a part of Best Buddies, and am so honored to be asked to be co-chair,” says Huff.
The gala will feature the Champions, a group of local leaders who will raise funds with their Mission Partners “Best Buddies” to support their local Best Buddies programs. These programs currently cover 47 chapters and 1,250 participants in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties.
The 2024 Champions Gala of the Year will take place at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on
Nov. 1 from 7-11 p.m. The gala will feature silent and live auctions, a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing and a keynote address from a Best Buddies Global Ambassador.
For more information, call 561-891-7841 or visit bestbuddieschampion.org.