The Best Buddies in Virginia & DC 4th annual Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala was an incredible triumph. Together, the event raised over $310,000—smashing the $260,000 goal—to sustain and help expand Best Buddies programs in the Virginia and DC area. Watch the recap video here!

Meet the Grand Champions

Congratulations to Sheila Stabile and Jaxson Zimmerman, the 2024 Grand Champions of the Year! Together, they set a new record for Champions by raising over $81,000 to support Best Buddies programs throughout Virginia and Washington, DC.

A man and a women on stage wearing white sashes that read “Champion Candidate” and wearing gold crowns. They are smiling and holding hands. The women is holding her heart.

Jaxson is no stranger to Best Buddies or the crown. In 2022, Jaxson and his sister Michelle Zimmerman were named Champion of the Year.

“Best Buddies is a very inclusive-minded organization that helps people like me through difficult situations,” said Jaxson. He and his buddy Navien enjoy hanging out on Fridays in Tysons and DC, exploring different restaurants and spending quality time together.

Jaxson also has two jobs and is supported by his Best Buddies job coach. “They consult with you and the job you’re working at to see how you can improve to make your skills a lot better,” Jaxson explained. He proudly describes himself as a “top dog” employee!

Sheila’s Journey

Sheila began her Champion candidacy after witnessing the incredible success of the 2023 Homecoming Gala and challenging herself to do more.

“I was immediately touched,” Sheila said. “I loved hearing the Champions’ stories and how they proudly shared their meaningful experiences with their buddies.”

This competitive and passionate pair hit the ground running and encouraged each other every step of the way in the name of inclusion. “Jaxson is the true Champion,” Sheila said. “He inspires me every day with his kindness and his spirit.”

Celebrating All the Champions

A collage of photos of individuals smiling and wearing white sashes that read “Champion Candidate”.

Congratulations to all the Champion Candidates: Laurent Amzallag and Alex Bolden, Amar Malik and Dave Jones, Heather Fath and Hannah Bourlakas, Erik Fellers and Minkee Kim, Young Bae and Hannah Doskey, Chris Leveille and Peter Weber, and Rebekah Kirkman-Goehler and Paul Marretti.

Throughout the fall, this incredible group dedicated themselves to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies. Each pair shared unique and impactful stories, advocating for inclusion and opportunities for friendships, jobs, and leadership development for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

A man and women wearing gold crowns and hugging.

About Champion of the Year

Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders of inclusion. Champion Candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies over an 8–12-week campaign. At the campaign’s conclusion, we celebrate at the Best Buddies Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala to honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year!