We are excited to announce Mary Beth & John Lee as well as Katie Klimek as our Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala: Cleveland gala chairs. Best Buddies in Ohio’s fourth annual gala is set to take place in Cleveland on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Tenk West Bank.

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).

Katie knows the impact of Best Buddies and the Champion of the Year Gala firsthand. Her sister, Becky, is a participant in a Best Buddies friendship program. Last year, Katie earned the title of Grand Champion of the Year by fundraising the highest amount for the Champion of the Year Gala in Cleveland. From Katie,

“I’m thrilled to be Co-Chairing the gala with Mary Beth and John this year. Best Buddies is an organization close to my heart. My older, but much shorter, sister Becky has Down Syndrome. She is at the heart of many of my life decisions. For example, getting involved in a wonderful organization like Best Buddies which creates acceptance and belonging for people with IDD.”

Carrying a similar passion for inclusion, Mary Beth and John Lee will return as chairs this year. Their dedication and expertise are an immense asset to our community. Mary Beth is the owner of Jobee Enterprises and an Event Strategist who has worked with numerous charities and community organizations to bring their missions to life. John is Managing Director of Bornhorst, Ingalls, Lee, O’Reilly Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, an annual corporate sponsor of Best Buddies in Ohio. From Mary Beth,

“We are honored to serve this organization as Chairs of the 2024 Gala alongside Katie. Having been involved since 2021, we believe wholeheartedly in the mission of Best Buddies. Knowing that we are building brighter futures for people with IDD through friendship and leadership programs keeps us coming back.”

The gala theme for 2024 is Core Memories. When you think of your core memories, does that include a friend? People with IDD want to experience their core memories with a friend, too. Best Buddies ensures everyone has a chance at friendship, leading to inclusion in schools, workplaces, home & our communities!

From Katie,

“The core of Best Buddies is friendship. I’ve been lucky enough to have amazing friends surrounding me. It’s simple; I have always wanted the same for Beck, surrounded by friends who accept, love, support, and laugh with her. I can’t wait to watch Best Buddies grow in the Northeast Ohio community and beyond. See you on the dance floor at the 2024 Best Buddies Gala.”

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. Click here to nominate a leader.

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 www.bestbuddieschampion.org/cleveland. The event contact is State Director, Catlin Skufca, CatlinSkufca@BestBuddies.org.