Boston, MA, Feb. 6, 2024 — The Boston Celtics held their fourth annual Best Buddies Night at the Celtics presented by Teddie Peanut Butter for participants of Best Buddies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the state subsidiaries of 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), on Jan. 30 when they took on the Indiana Pacers. Hundreds of Best Buddies participants, including Best Buddies Founder, Chairman and CEO Anthony K. Shriver, attended the game.

The Celtics gave these participants the basketball experience of a lifetime. Before the game, the student participants were invited to shoot hoops on the court and participate in the Celtics’ high-five tunnel, where they could interact with Celtics’ players. To start the game, Best Buddies Global Ambassador Tori Ackley sung the national anthem, and Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port participants from Team Mali were recognized by the Celtics with the Heroes Among Us award, which is “presented to an individual or individuals who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our community.”

“It is an honor to team up with the Boston Celtics and Teddie Peanut Butter for this wonderful event,” Katelyn Labarre, the director of development for Best Buddies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, said. “They are all so supportive of our mission of inclusion and work hard to put on a wonderful evening for our participants, supporters and volunteers. It was truly an unforgettable night!”

During the game, the participants were highlighted on the jumbotron and sold 50:50 raffle tickets with the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation to benefit Best Buddies.

“I had a great time at Best Buddies Night, it was great to engage with the fans and see so much support for a great organization,” Dudley Williams, a Best Buddies Massachusetts and Rhode Island Ambassador, said. “I enjoyed selling the 50:50 tickets and chatting with new people about Best Buddies.”