The Best Buddies family recently heard the devastating news that the life of Best Buddies participant, Teri Leiker, was one of 10 claimed in the recent senseless and horrific act of violence that occurred in Boulder, Colorado. Teri participated in Best Buddies for 11 years and was deeply loved by her friends in the Best Buddies chapter at the University of Colorado Boulder.

We are devastated and heartbroken over the loss of Teri and the other nine victims. The power of love and friendship is a gift that Teri gave to her friends in Best Buddies and we are eternally grateful for her commitment to our organization’s mission of friendship and inclusion. Teri embodied the true spirit of Best Buddies, for which she will be profoundly missed.

With approval from her family, we established Buddies for Teri to assist with the financial needs that are a result of this tragedy. Board Member Ralph Winter agreed to chair the Buddies for Teri fundraising campaign with a goal of $59,000 and kicked off the campaign with a leadership gift of $10,000. In less than a week, supported by our Board and Staff, we reached this goal for Teri and her family.

Now we are committed to creating a living legacy for Teri by raising an additional $150,000 as the first step in funding a new Best Buddies satellite office in Boulder, Colorado. This office, named in Teri’s honor, will support the Boulder special needs community by expanding the jobs and friendship programs Teri loved so much.

All donations are greatly appreciated.