We are thrilled to share the success of the recent Best Buddies Pittsburgh TasteBuds event, an extraordinary evening dedicated to inclusion, friendship, and culinary delights. This year’s event was made even more special as it recently earned the prestigious Impact Award at the Best Buddies Staff Leadership Conference.

Over the past decade, TasteBuds has grown exponentially, evolving from a modest gathering of eight chefs raising $50,000 to an impressive celebration featuring 35 chefs and raising a staggering $382,000 in 2024. This phenomenal growth has empowered Best Buddies Pittsburgh to establish 45 new school friendship programs in Western Pennsylvania, fostering connections and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

A highlight of this year’s TasteBuds was the extraordinary leadership and dedication of our Grand Champion, Lindley Diecks. A member of the Best Buddies Pennsylvania Advisory Board and the event’s chair, Lindley exemplifies the spirit of service and commitment that defines our mission. As an avid volunteer, she has not only contributed her time and expertise but also inspired so many others around her to rally around our mission. This year, Lindley’s tireless efforts resulted in an astonishing $72,000 raised, a testament to her passion and dedication to creating a more inclusive world.

Lindley’s leadership played a pivotal role in making this year’s TasteBuds an unparalleled success. From aiding in organizing the event’s many elements to mobilizing sponsors, auction items, and donors, her vision and energy were instrumental in setting new benchmarks for fundraising and community engagement. As we celebrate her achievements, we also recognize the invaluable contributions of our committee members, board members, chefs, restaurants, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees, whose collective efforts brought this event to life.

The evening itself featured delicious dishes crafted by local chefs paired with Best Buddies participants. The event’s inspiring speeches and stories highlighted the impact of our programs and the power of inclusion. Together, these elements created a memorable experience that celebrated friendship and connection while reinforcing the importance of our mission.

Thanks to the record-breaking success of TasteBuds 2024, we are poised to expand our programs even further, bringing the message of inclusion to more schools, workplaces, and communities across Pennsylvania. This achievement belongs to everyone who supported, participated in, and believed in this event and our mission.

As we look to the future, we are already planning for TasteBuds 2025, set to take place on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. We invite everyone to join us for another unforgettable evening, celebrating the power of friendship, inclusion, and food! We extend our deepest gratitude to our local community for their unwavering commitment to building a world where everyone is included, valued, and celebrated. Together, we are making a difference, one friendship at a time.