The 2024 Best Buddies in CT Friendship Walk season was a resounding celebration of inclusion, friendship, and the power of community. With the theme “Life is Better with Best Buddies,” the season brought together hundreds of participants across Fairfield County and Hartford, each walk a testament to the joy and unity that Best Buddies fosters.

Fairfield County Walk: A Beautiful Beginning

On April 28th, Fairfield University hosted the first-ever Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Fairfield County. The campus was abuzz with excitement as 300 attendees gathered at Lessing Track and Field, raising an impressive $12,000. The sunny, beautiful day set the perfect backdrop for a day filled with activities, camaraderie, and celebration.

James Vaccaro, the top individual walker, stood out with his remarkable contribution of $1,100. Fairfield University topped the school charts, raising $1,900, while Team Sodexo proudly earned the “Rookie of the Year” title for their enthusiastic participation.

The day kicked off with participants walking around the university’s track, each step symbolizing their commitment to inclusion and friendship. As they made their way around the course, attendees engaged in games and activities hosted by various chapters. The Inclusion Banner signing became a highlight, with everyone adding their names and messages of support, creating a tangible representation of their shared mission.

Laughter and music filled the air as participants danced and took countless pictures, capturing memories with friends old and new. The walk was not just a fundraising event but a celebration of the end of the school year and a chance to honor the bonds between new and old Buddy pairs.

A special shoutout went to the schools that formed teams and joined the walk, including Fairfield Warde High School, Fairfield Ludlowe High School, Oxford High School, Staples High School, Sacred Heart University, Seymour High School, Ansonia Middle School, Shelton Intermediate School, Brookfield High School, Darien High School, Joel Barlow High School, Trumbull High School, and Westhill High School. Their participation underscored the broad support and enthusiasm for the Best Buddies mission in Fairfield!

Hartford Walk: Joy Amidst the Rain

The Hartford Walk on May 5th saw an extraordinary turnout of 1,000 walkers, collectively raising an incredible $102,000. Despite the rainy weather, the spirits of the participants remained high, and the event was marked by an overwhelming sense of joy and community.

Taylor Ciccarella from Ellington High School led the individual fundraisers, showcasing dedication by raising over $2,000. Eastern Connecticut State University was the top school, while the top community team was Stanley Black and Decker. Team Sephora earned the “Rookie of the Year” title, making a notable impact with their enthusiastic debut.

The rainy day didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the walkers. Games, goat interactions, bracelet-making stations, and numerous chapter activity tables kept everyone engaged and entertained. Snacks were plentiful, and the sense of unity was palpable as participants braved the weather together.

Smiles were abundant as buddies reconnected and new friendships were forged. The day was filled with activities that celebrated inclusivity and the importance of community, reinforcing the message that life is indeed better with Best Buddies. The Hartford Walk, despite the challenging weather, exemplified the resilience and joy of the Best Buddies community.

The Heart of Best Buddies

The 2024 Friendship Walks in Fairfield County and Hartford were more than just events; they were celebrations of what makes Best Buddies so special. These walks highlighted the organization’s mission to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living.

Participants, whether they were seasoned members or new supporters, left with hearts full of joy and a renewed commitment to the cause. The walks showcased the power of community and the profound impact of friendship. They were a reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose, incredible things happen.

Caroline Sweeny, a Best Buddies leader at Fairfield University, encapsulated the spirit of the walks perfectly: “Best Buddies has shown us that when we walk together, we can create a world where everyone shines.” Her words resonated deeply with all who participated, reinforcing the belief that inclusion and friendship can change the world.

Looking Forward

As the 2024 Friendship Walk season concluded, the Best Buddies in CT community reflected on the achievements and memories created. The success of the walks was a testament to the dedication of everyone involved—participants, volunteers, schools, and community partners.

The future looks bright for Best Buddies in CT, with plans already underway for the next Friendship Walk season. The spirit of inclusivity and the joy of connection continue to drive the organization forward, inspiring more people to join the cause and make a difference.

In the words of many who participated, “Life is better with Best Buddies.” The 2024 Friendship Walks were a vibrant celebration of this truth, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved and setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.