Miami, FL, April 9, 2024 — Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), hosted the Ed Ansin Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Miami on April 6, 2024 at loanDepot Park, the home of the Miami Marlins. With nearly 50,000 participants at more than 70 walks across the globe, the Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for the IDD community.

“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 program participants,” said Anthony K. Shriver, founder, chairman and CEO of Best Buddies International. “We’re beyond grateful for the Walk participants, donors and employer partners who significantly impact the lives of those with IDD and are actively making not just South Florida, but the world, a more inclusive place.”

The Ed Ansin Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Miami had over 1,800 walk attendees and raised over $345,000, exceeding last year’s fundraising total of $300,000.

Following the Friendship Walk, participants enjoyed a day of fun, family and friendship. The day was be filled with activities for all ages including live entertainment, a batting cage, a Top Golf putting area, an obstacle courses, inflatables, face painting, complimentary food and beverages from Jersey Mike’s Subs and Coca-Cola, photos with the Miami Marlins mascot Billy the Marlin and more. It was an exciting event for children and adults with and without IDD.

Proceeds from the Friendship Walk support local programs that provide one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with IDD.

This year’s Ed Ansin Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Miami sponsors and corporate partners include: Buckner Shifrin, City of Hialeah, Commissioner Manolo Reyes, Dade County Federal Credit Union, Ansin Foundation, Ferraro Law, Harvest Sensations, Holland and Knight, Inktel, loanDepot Park, Nicklaus’ Children Hospital, Starwood Properties, Swire Properties, Top Golf, Value Store It, WSVN, and Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A.

About Best Buddies
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, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ 12 formal programs — Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living and Eunie’s Buddies— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 45 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly one million 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 bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Media Inquiries
Best Buddies International
Nicole Maddox
Vice President, Communications
NicoleMaddox@Bestbuddies.org