Best Buddies

Best Buddies of Iowa held their third annual Gala in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 7, 2009. This event focused on raising money for the chapters in Iowa. Held at the HyVee Center in downtown Des Moines, many companies sponsored the event, including Audi, Meredith Corporation, Verizon, MidAmerican Energy, Nationwide Insurance, and Drake University.

Senator Tom HarkinTom HarkinTom Harkin was presented with The Spirit of Leadership award for his long-standing efforts on behalf of the disabled, not only in Iowa, but nationwide. Senator Harkin has championed great strides in rights for those with disabilities.

Best Buddies has chapters in middle schools, high schools, colleges and businesses. It encompasses all ages, races, and ability levels.

One "buddy pair" from the state of Iowa is asked to speak at the gathering. This year, Iowa City High School chapter president, Matt Tvedte, and his buddy, Leslie Kennebeck, were chosen to speak.

Best Buddies is an organization that spans all age groups and demographics. Taken from the website www.bestbuddies.org:

Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony KennedyAnthony KennedyAnthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 college, high school and middle school campuses across the country and internationally.

Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. We have accredited international programs on six continents with additional country programs under active development. Our six formal programs - Best Buddies Citizens, Colleges, e-Buddies®, High Schools, Jobs and Middle Schools - will positively impact more than 400,000 individuals this year.

Best Buddies is an organization that encourages friendships that impact lives in ways that could not be forseen. Shriver started this program because he saw the "ability" in individuals who were characterized by the lack in their lives. Best Buddies is an organization that all can participate in, and benefit from as well.