Best Buddies Southwest Florida Announces Annual Champion of the Year Event
Best Buddies Southwest Florida is proud to announce its inaugural Champion of the Year event taking place on Friday, November 15th, 2019 from 6pm to 11pm at the Forest Country Club, located at 6100 Club Blvd. in Fort Myers.
Prior to the event, local Southwest Florida Champions will raise funds and awareness for Best Buddies Southwest Florida, and generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, and leadership development for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Our Champion of the Year event celebrates our Champions’ accomplishments and collective impact on the lives of those with intellectual and developmental abilities,” stated Melanie Musick, Area Director, Best Buddies Southwest Florida. “The Southwest Florida community has embraced our mission wholeheartedly, and we excited and so appreciative to continue receiving support from our fine community leaders, business owners and residents,” added Musick. At the conclusion of the event, the Southwest Florida Best Buddies Grand Champion of the Year will be named and celebrated.
The 2019 Southwest Florida participating Champions are Andy Minoie, Starbucks at Miromar Outlets; Dale Earp, Earp Enterprises; Derek Newborn, Derek Newborn Fitness; Susan Christiano, Engel & VÖlkers, Ft. Myers Downtown; Amy Gaziano, mother of Gianna, 2018 Best Buddies Friendship Ball Queen; Steve Bray, Titan Restoration Construction; Ken Coker, Cross Country Mortgage; Jenna Maringione, FGCU Chapter President; David Oliver, Talking Bear Consulting; Elizabeth Salazar, Lehigh Senior High Chapter Vice President and Tim Dupre, Conditioned Air. Event sponsors currently include Seminole Casino and Hotel.
Event sponsorship opportunities are still available, as well as opportunities to donate to the event’s silent and live auctions. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Melanie Musick, Area Director, at 239.275.2510 x2787 or melaniemusick@bestbuddies.org. This annual event is open to the public. To support a Champion or purchase tickets, visit https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/southwestflorida/.
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, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.