{"id":102948,"date":"2018-09-11T15:27:54","date_gmt":"2018-09-11T19:27:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=102948"},"modified":"2021-04-15T17:28:18","modified_gmt":"2021-04-15T21:28:18","slug":"posteventpressrelease2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2018\/09\/11\/posteventpressrelease2018\/","title":{"rendered":"15th Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle Presented by Pepsi-Cola Raises $5 Million for Best Buddies International"},"content":{"rendered":"
San Simeon, CA, September 11, 2018<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>The 15th<\/sup> Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle Presented by Pepsi-Cola <\/em>raised $5 million, thanks to the incredible commitment of Best Buddies supporters and the generosity of Steve and Barbara Hearst, with their personal gift of $1 million. The funds were raised for Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The event was co-chaired by Steve Hearst<\/strong> and Lieutenant Governor of California Gavin Newsom<\/strong>. <\/em>Carl Guardino<\/strong>, one of Silicon Valley\u2019s most distinguished business and community leaders, served as the 2018 Event Chair. Nearly 1,200 people participated in the Challenge\u2014a charity ride down the scenic coast of California.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s edition kicked off on Thursday, September 6 with a private dinner in the Bay Area to celebrate the continued partnership with luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot, and the launch of the second co-branded timepiece: The Hublot Big Bang Unico Best Buddies Limited Edition<\/strong>. A portion of proceeds from the cycling-inspired timepiece itself will benefit the organization, in addition to the partnership support provided by the watchmaker.<\/p>\n The weekend continued with a welcoming reception on Friday, September 7 at the Hearst Ranch, where guest enjoyed cocktails, a catered dinner and a program that highlighted the achievements of the Best Buddies mission and its supporters. Several fundraising teams participated in this year\u2019s jersey contest, where cyclists showcased their unique and creative cycling kits. The contest was judged by professional cyclists Christian Vande Velde <\/strong>and Georgie Hincapie, <\/em><\/strong>along with three buddy judges: Caley Versfelt, Joshua Felder and Richard Nakai. Team Best Buddies Central Valley won the jersey contest this year, which was designed by Best Buddies participants.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Hearst Corporation and I maintain an overwhelming sense of community each year as we welcome Best Buddies to the Ranch. We greatly enjoy our partnership with Best Buddies International and we salute and celebrate all of their milestones and achievements,\u201d said Steve Hearst<\/strong>. \u201cBest Buddies International\u2019s global volunteer efforts exemplify humanity, unity and dignity, making a positive difference in communities around the world, embodying the true meaning of the word Friendship<\/em>. I am pleased that year after year, the Ranch has proven to be the perfect venue for this spectacular event.\u201d<\/p>\n