Carmel, CA, September 12, 2016 – More than 2,000 people took part in the13th Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle Presented by Pepsi-Cola, a 100-mile cycling fundraiser from Carmel to San Simeon, on Saturday, September 10. The Challenge raised more than $4.5 million in total donations for Best Buddies International, 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 (IDD). Steve Hearst and California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom served as Honorary Co-Chairs of the event and Journalist and Author Maria Shriver served as Honorary Chair Emeritus.
Both Maria Shriver and California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom took part in the cycling portion of the event and delivered powerful speeches over the course of the weekend highlighting the impact Best Buddies has had on their personal and professional lives. Team Silicon Valley Bank was the top fundraising “corporate” team, raising $438,542.79 and Team Maria was the top fundraising “non-corporate” team, raising $192,626.20.
The event kicked-off with the Best Buddies Mountain Bike Experience at Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel on Friday, September 9. Participants had the opportunity to ride a private course on the 180 acre network of off-road trails. The day capped off with the Official Opening Ceremonies of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle Presented by Pepsi-Cola. Founder and Chairman, Anthony K. Shriver thanked all the participants for their contributions to the organization and reminded them of the countless lives they have impacted with their involvement.
During Opening Ceremonies, Best Buddies Global Ambassador Christina Hundley sang a moving rendition of the “National Anthem;” followed by a heartwarming performance of the Beatle’s “Let it be,” by Marlana VanHoose. An energetic and spirited jersey competition followed, which included top fundraising teams such as Team Maria, Team Gallo, and Team Silicon Valley Bank. The competition was tight but in the end, Team Audi walked away as the winners of the contest! Best Buddies Jobs participant Paul Brooks, currently employed with MGM Resorts International, delivered a powerful speech about the benefits and joys of full-time employment, and urged all those in attendance to hire individuals with IDD. California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom took the stage to speak about how Best Buddies has impacted his life and the importance of the organization in helping people with IDD lead fulfilling lives with genuine friendships and meaningful employment. The event concluded with an incredible performance by The Solero Brothers, who covered top pop songs throughout the evening.
On Saturday, September 10, hundreds of cyclists took to the starting line at Quail Lodge Golf Club for the 100-mile ride down the majestic Pacific Coast Highway from Carmel to San Simeon. The Challenge also featured alternative 62, 30 and 15-mile cycling routes, as well as the Carl Lewis Challenge, a 5K run/walk.
The event continued on Honorary Co-Chair Steve Hearst’s ranch with a barbeque and award ceremony that celebrated all of the day’s accomplishments. Hearst spoke about his involvement with Best Buddies over the years and his commitment to furthering the organization’s mission of friendship and social inclusion for individuals with special needs. Later, Anthony K. Shriver congratulated all the cyclists for their achievements and for their continued support of Best Buddies. A custom made Best Buddies Hublot cycling watch was auctioned off for $22,000 to Steve Hearst, who lovingly gifted the luxury timepiece to his son, Jack. A limited-edition Best Buddies Cannondale bike was also auctioned off for $16,000. Guest also received a nice surprise when they were asked to check under their chairs for a golden ticket, which allowed one lucky winner free admission to next year’s Hearst Castle Challenge!
Afterwards, Anthony K. Shriver presented his sister and Honorary Chair Emeritus Maria Shriver with the Spirit of Leadership Award for her philanthropic and charitable contributions, as well as for her enduring support of the Best Buddies mission. Anthony K. Shriver spoke about the significant influence Maria has made in his life, and the way she has encouraged and continually supported him and Best Buddies. “You are the best part of this event,” he warmly said, “thank you for all that you do.” Maria took the stage and returned the kind words, thanking Anthony for allowing her to be a part of such a wonderful organization, and recognized the participants’ efforts and involvement. The night also saw a record-breaking $91,000 in total donations for the Sponsor-a-Buddy program, which provides scholarships to Best Buddies participants to attend the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference.
The Hearst Ranch barbecue concluded with an energetic performance by the legendary Beach Boys, which had the crowd dancing late into the night. The evening wrapped up with a VIP reception at the illustrious Hearst Castle, which included an interactive Hublot photo booth and pop-up lounge, cocktails, and a guided tour of the castle. Several celebrities and guest attended the Challenge including House of Card’s Actor Benito Martinez; Actresses Cheryl Hines, Lauren Potter and Kate Flannery; 2016 Miss California USA Nadia Mejia and 2016 Miss Teen California USA Athenna Crosby; and Honorary Chair Emeritus Maria Shriver and several of her children, including Patrick Schwarzenegger.
This year’s Hearst Castle Challenge sponsors included: Presenting Sponsor Pepsi-Cola; The Hearst Corporation; Hublot; Chobani; E. & J. Gallo Winery; Silicon Valley Bank; 20th Century Fox; Carnival Cruise Line; Chevron; Cold Stone Creamery; First Solar; The GEO Group Foundation; Natixis Global Asset Management; Pacific Gas & Electric; Pilot Freight Services; Testa Catering, Official Caterer of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle; Cannondale, Official Bike Sponsor; and the San Francisco Chronicle.
Additionally, Best Buddies received the support of the Honorary Ambassador Committee, whose members are helping to promote not only the event, but also inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Committee members include: The Honorable Kevin de León, California Senate President Pro Tempore; The Honorable Jean Fuller, California State Senator; The Honorable Kevin Johnson, Mayor of Sacramento; The Honorable Edwin M. Lee, Mayor of San Francisco; The Honorable Chad Mayes, California Assembly Republican Leader; The Honorable Kevin Mullin, California Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore; The Honorable Jeff Stone, California State Senator; and The Honorable Tom Torlakson, Superintendent of Public Instruction.
ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL: Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization 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, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,900 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs, Ambassadors, and Promoters — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in over 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 900,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or twitter.com/bestbuddies. For media inquiries or additional photos, contact: Nicole Maddox Madari Pendas
305-374-2233, ext. 343
NicoleMaddox@bestbuddies.org
305-374-2233, ext. 203
MadariPendas@bestbuddies.org
