February Buddy Beat

Each February, Best Buddies celebrates National Black History Month to honor Black Americans' immense contributions and sacrifices that have helped shape our nation. We embrace the legacies of generations past, the achievements of today, and the central role of Black culture as part of the ongoing story of America's history. This year's Black History Month theme at Best Buddies, "Accessibility and Ally ship," was chosen to amplify the voices of Black Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)and highlight the advocacy work done to remove barriers that exist for Black Americans with IDD. We will continue to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Black Americans and recognize the adversities that disproportionately affect the Black communities we serve.

We are SO excited to announce that Delaware's 2023 Friendship Walk will be taking place on Saturday, May 6th at 9am at the home of the Wilmington Bluerocks...FRAWLEY STADIUM!!! The Friendship Walk is a great opportunity for everyone to get together and celebrate the efforts of all Best Buddies Delaware programs so get registered and invite your friends and family to join you!  

There will be a ton of great incentives for signing up and fundraising for the Friendship Walk. Make sure to tune into our Facebook (Best Buddies Delaware) and our Instagram (@bestbuddiesde) on February 13th-17th to help us kick off launch week and check out the big reveal of our infamous Friendship Walk T-Shirt & other Prizes!

I'd like to thank each and every one of you in your combined efforts to lead and support our school friendship programs! So far this school year we have opened 5 new chapters, received 715 student memberships, 100+ matches, and over 60 events planned for the 22-23 school year so far. Its very important that we update our memberships, matches and events on BB360 as it provides funding oppertunities that allow us to open new schools and plan more events in Delaware. If you need assistance, please don't hesistate to reach out to me ([email protected].)

JOIN US FOR VIRTUAL 'YAPPY HOUR'Show us your pet or favorite stuffed animal!Monday February 13th 7pm-8pm

GRAB A FRIEND - GRAB A SLICE!Join us in person to hangout, eat pizza and get to know eachother!$10 per person Wednesday February 22nd 6pm-8pm!!!!!MUST RSVP TO ATTEND!!!!!

On February 11th, Best Buddies Delaware and the Megan Aitken Team are teaming up for cornhole fundraiser! All proceeds will go directly to Best Buddies Delaware to support our new program at Louis L. Redding Middle School! 12+ to Play. Cash Prizes!

We are always looking for volunteers! There are many different opportunities such as:

• Being matched in our One-to-One adult Friendship Program

• Joining one of our Planning Committees

• Donating goods/services to our events

• Volunteering at our events

• And more!

If you know anyone that may be interested in Volunteering with Best Buddies Delaware, please forward this newsletter to them or have them reach out to [email protected]!