Miami, FL, March 4, 2020 — Best Buddies International, a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce the Best Buddies Friendship Walk: South Florida on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Maurice A. Ferré Park in Downtown Miami. The Best Buddies Friendship Walk: South Florida is the organization’s latest life-changing movement. Since 2009, more than 150,000 participants in 60 cities have walked to raise awareness for inclusion, friendship, leadership development and integrated job opportunities for people with IDD.

“Our Friendship Walks are one of Best Buddies’ most celebrated events, bringing communities together where they can experience our mission in action and engage with our program participants,” said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “It’s quite inspirational to see the true spirit of generosity, passion and support for the Best Buddies mission in South Florida. We’re beyond grateful for the Walk participants and donors who significantly impact the lives of those with special abilities, and the employer partners in this community who empower individuals with IDD, and are actively making not just South Florida, but the world, a more inclusive place.”

Best Buddies in South Florida is proud to have 3,000 (and counting) participants lacing up their shoes to walk for inclusion, all working towards surpassing 2020’s fundraising goal of $575,000. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk kicks off at 10:00 a.m. at Maurice A. Ferré Park, 1075 Biscayne Boulevard. Following the walk, please join Best Buddies for a day of fun, family, fitness and friendship. Best Buddies will welcome Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho to deliver a keynote address celebrating our mission of inclusion in schools, workplaces and communities in South Florida.

Proceeds from the Friendship Walk are fundamental in supporting state programs that provide one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development. These programs can be found in all 50 states and will help create inclusive communities nationwide.

Walk for inclusion. Walk for friendship. Walk for a better South Florida.

This year’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk: South Florida sponsors and corporate partners include: Able United, Celebrity Cruises, WSVN, Nordstrom, Tuuci, GrayRobinson, SMASF (South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine), Mastercard, Value Store It, PNC Bank, Banco do Brasil Americas, Publix, Inktel, Valuation Services Inc., Pepsi, Zumba, IPC, City of Hialeah, Holland & Knight, Royal Media Partners, Turnberry & Associates, Starwood Property Trust, Park Street, Heise Suarez Melville, P.A., Carlton Fields, P.A., The Ferraro Law Firm, Harvest Sensations, City of North Bay Village, City of Miami Beach, Tobias Financial, Apollo Bank, and Pirtle Construction.

Register for the Walk

For more information about the Walk, please contact:

Catherine Alcantara
305.374.2233 x201
CatherineAlcantara@bestbuddies.org 

For media inquiries (including requests for credentials):

Kendra Guerrero
KendraGuerrero@BestBuddies.org

 Nicole Maddox
NicoleMaddox@BestBuddies.org