We are excited to announce Alex Rogers and Sharla Thomas as Chairs of our 2024 Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala: Columbus. Best Buddies in Ohio’s ninth annual gala in Columbus is set to take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, at The Grand Event Center.

Best Buddies International 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 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

As six-time Grand Champions of the Year, Alex and Sharla bring a tremendous amount of expertise to this role. Alex and Sharla have been friends for Eight Years and campaigned as champions for seven years. Both women also serve on the Advisory Board for Best Buddies in Ohio. Alex reflects this new position, saying,

“I am so excited to take on this new role for the Champion of the Year Gala. I’ve greatly enjoyed celebrating my friendship with Sharla at this event. I stay involved to ensure people with IDD across Ohio get the chance to make friendships like the one I have with Sharla.”

From their annual Open Mic Night to their giveback night at the Ohio Taproom, these women are no strangers to having a great time raising funds in the name of inclusion. Sharla attributes their success to the power of friendship.

“When I met Alex, I was taken aback by her exuberant spirit and passion for helping others. Alex is one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever known. Her smile is infectious, and she makes every person she knows feel so wonderful. I have been so blessed to have her in my life. Over the years we have formed a special bond by singing, going for walks, and sharing meals together. We’ve even had the pleasure of celebrating big life events together like graduations, birthdays, and Best Buddies Wins! I look forward to embarking on this new journey with Alex!”

Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes leaders of inclusion in local communities nationwide. Champion candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies throughout their campaign culminating at the Gala where we honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year. Champion nominations are open until the end of July. Nominate a leader at: bestbuddieschampion.org/columbus/nominate-a-champion/

Help us continue to provide meaningful opportunities to people with IDD by supporting the Champion of the Year campaign. You can help by purchasing tickets, becoming a corporate sponsor, volunteering, or donating to the cause at bestbuddieschampion.org/ columbus. The event contact is Area Director, Mallory De Tota, MalloryDetota@bestbuddies.org.