OUR Impact Best Buddies in Connecticut
74
9
Citizens Chapters
School Chapters
3,000
30,000 Impacted
Participants
11
Chapters
40
14
Chapters
Chapters Friendship Matches
178
Participants
350
One-to-One Matches
9
Chapters Leadership
190
Leadership Training Participants
Evening Agenda 6:30pm
Doors Open
8:00pm
Welcome by Emcee Taylor Kinzler Regan
8:30pm
Dinner Silent Auction Closes Live Auction Bid from the Heart Raffle Crowning of Champion of the Year
Emcee
Taylor Kinzler Regan is an Emmy Award-winning anchor at NBC Connecticut. You can watch her weekday mornings on NBC Connecticut Today from 5 am to 7 am alongside Eddie Randle and Bob Maxon. She previously served as the longtime host of CT Live. Taylor received her degree in broadcast journalism from American University in 2015. After working as a production assistant for the National Press Club and NBC Sports Washington, she began her television career as an anchor and reporter at WABI TV5, the CBS affiliate in Bangor, Maine. In 2018, she moved to Connecticut and helped launch NBC Connecticut’s first lifestyle show, CT Live.
Taylor Regan
In 2020, Taylor was named one of Hartford Business Journal’s “40 Under 40”, recognized for her work highlighting local businesses impacted by COVID-19. In addition to her passion for storytelling, Taylor is actively involved in the community, serving as a volunteer and mentor for Best Buddies Connecticut.
2025 Champion of the Year
Mike James and Derek Regenauer Our 2025 top Champion of the Year team was Mike James and Derek Regenauer. Mike was first introduced to Best Buddies while attending Bryant University in the fall of 2021. After reconnecting with the organization through Stanley Black & Decker in 2024, he officially became a Best Buddies member and volunteer in the spring of 2025. One of his favorite memories is participating in this year's Friendship Walk as the Grand Marshal, and he and Derek had the opportunity to lead the walk on the Hartford Yard Goats field. Derek has been involved with Best Buddies since 2013, beginning with the Simsbury High School chapter and now as a member of the Citizens program. Mike and Derek have been matched as a buddy pair since the spring of 2025 and have built a meaningful friendship through their shared commitment to inclusion and community.
Champion Candidates
Taylor, Margo & Brooke Cicciarella
Desmond & Colleen Conway
Tyler Czaplewski & Kim Buckingham
Kate & Alison Firgelski
Margo Meley & Alex Palmer
Mary Renker & Andrew White
Varian Salters & Ahren Niles
Wyatt & Cathy Smarz
2026-2027 School and Citizens Chapters Colleges
High Schools
Central Connecticut State University Eastern Connecticut State University Fairfield University Quinnipiac University Sacred Heart University Southern Connecticut State University Trinity College University of Connecticut University of Hartford
Ansonia High School Berlin High School Brookfield High School Cheshire High School Conard High School Coventry High School Crosby High School Darien High School Derby High School East Lyme High School Edwin O. Smith High School Ellington High School Enfield High School Fairfield Ludlowe High School Fairfield Warde High School Glastonbury High School Granby Memorial High School Hamden Hall Country Day School Joel Barlow High School Lakeview High School Lyman Hall High School Masuk High School Miss Porter's School Nathan Hale-Ray High School Newtown High School North Haven High School Oxford High School Pomperaug High School Sacred Heart Academy - Hamden Sacred Heart School Greenwich Seymour High School Shelton High School Simsbury High School Southington High School Staples High School Trumbull High School Waterford High School Watertown High School Westhill High School Woodland Regional High School
Middle Schools Ansonia Middle School Clark Lane Middle School Cross Street Intermediate Dag Hammarskjold Middle School Derby Middle School Dodd Middle School Hamden Middle Schol Hillcrest Middle School John F. Kennedy Middle School (Enfield) John F. Kennedy Middle School (Southington) Nathan Hale Ray Middle School Newtown Middle School Seymour Middle School Shelton Intermediate School
Elementary Schools Bradley School Doolittle School Eli Whitney School Irving School Moody School Norton School Perry Hill School Prendergast Elementary School Prudence Crandall Elementary School Sweeney School Vance Elementary School
Citizens Chapters Apple Valley Citizens Chapel Haven Citizens Fairfield County Citizens
New Britain Senior Center New London County Citizens Northwest CT Citizens
Southwest CT Citizens Valley Friends Citizens Windham Citizens
A
B I G
Thank You T O
O U R
S P O N S O R S
Patalino Family
Bid From the Heart The Value of Your Donation Supports... Best Buddies helps individuals form meaningful friendships, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communications skills, all while feeling valued by society.
$5,000 Supports an elementary school, middle school, high school, or college chapter for a year. Funds a Job Readiness program that supports career exploration, jobreadiness and interview preparation for jobs program participants. $2,500 Funds a Leadership Skill Development training session for students with and without IDD. $1,000 Supports our Friendship Ball, a prom for individuals with and without IDD. $500 Helps train volunteer leaders to recruit participants, match adults with and without IDDs in friendships and support those connections through the Best Buddies Citizens Program. $250 Provides training for people with and without IDD to practice public speaking, tell their stories, and advocate for inclusion in schools, workplaces, and the community. $100 Supports a friendship gathering where adults with and without IDD can meet, share activities, and build connections in their community.
AT&T is proud to support Best Buddies Connecticut
Please visit us at: www.att.com
Everyone deserves the opportunity to work and thrive!
Best Buddies Jobs Program connects individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to meaningful employment while providing ongoing support to both employees and employers.
Interested in getting involved, hiring a Best Buddies participant, or learning more? https://www.bestbuddies.org/jobs/ or contact Liz Navarro at ElizabethNavarro@bestbuddies.org
THE HOMETOWN FOUNDATION TheHometownFoundation, Inc. isanon-profit charitable organizationcommittedto supporting those in needin conjunctionwithBozzuto's, Inc., itsfamilyof retailers,and communitybusiness partners. TheHometown Foundation, establishedin2002, raises moneyto support a broad rangeofprograms that meet communityneeds. The Foundation's commitment centers around five areas of charitable focus. Our year-round programs are devoted to strengthening our local communities to create a more cohesive and inclusive society. By supporting these endeavors you are directly servicing individuals in need, assisting in program development and growing our year-round missions.
For more information:visitwww.hometownfoundation.org HOME OF THE DREAM RIDE EXPERIENCE!
FIVE PILLARS OF CHARITABLE FOCUS: ANIMAL WELFARE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL INDIVIDUALS W/ INTELLECTUAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MAJOR ILLNESS OR THOSE IN NEED MILITARY
Rooted in Purpose. Growing for Good. Wise Oak Strategies is proud to sponsor the Best Buddies Gala and celebrate the incredible power of inclusion, friendship, and community. As a consulting firm dedicated exclusively to non-profit organizations, we work hand-in-hand with mission-driven leaders to maximize their impact. From strategic planning and board advancement to fundraising infrastructure and special events, our team brings over 40 years of combined experience to help non-profits grow, thrive, and achieve operational efficiency. We applaud Best Buddies for their life-changing work in fostering a more inclusive world. Together, we are building stronger communities and brighter futures.
Learn more: wiseoakstrategies.com Get in touch: info@wiseoakstrategies.com
Proudly Supports Team Taylor!
Designs from the heart CUSTOM fLORALS @PJORIGINALSEVENTS
Call or text Pam Gugliemino 203-232-8305
Proud to Proud to support support Best Best Buddies in Buddies in Connecticut Connecticut Wishing you Wishing you a a wonderful wonderful Evening! Evening! the patalino the patalino family family
Mouth To Hand Learning Center supports nonspeakers and individuals with motor-based communication challenges by offering typing for communication sessions, a variety of educational classes, parent and practitioner training courses, and more. We take pride in helping students gain the ability to express themselves and make choices in life. Contact: Office 914-241-2500, Cell 914-522-7347 Info@mouthtohandlearning.com
Congratulations Your fundraising efforts and community outreach shows your dedication to supporting Best Buddies, their mission, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
chelseagroton.com
| 860-448-4200
Gaffney, Bennett and Associates, Inc. Government Relations and Political Consulting
ONE LIBERTY SQUARE NEW BRITAIN, CT 06051 (860) 229-0301
BUILDERS OF QUALITY
BARNS & GARAGES
Rt. 83 Ellington 860-896-0636 BarnYard.com
Celebrating & Empowering Inclusion in Our Community
Congratulations to the Champion of the Year and a big thank you to the Champion Candidates for their impactful fundraising! We are proud to sponsor the Best Buddies Champion of the Year event. ThomastonSB.com | 860.283.1874 Member FDIC
Empowering Members for Financial Success WCTFCUprovides financial products andservices to teachers,administrators, BOE Employees and their families in public, private and parochial schools within 28 towns and 22 school districts. Visit our Membership webpage at wctfcu.com for eligibility details.
Contemporary Services. Traditional Values. 773 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT • 203.758.9500 110 Federal Road, Danbury, CT • 203.791.1117 800.992.2226 • WCTFCU.com Equal Housing Lender
Federally Insured by NCUA
one open door can open doors across a community.
Our most important work happens outside the four walls of our bank. KeyBank gets involved, supporting people who make a difference and working with community-focused organizations through investments, philanthropy, and volunteering. We believe that together we can keep our communities full of hope, compassion, and opportunity, one open door at a time. KeyBank thanks Best Buddies for making a difference.
©2026 KeyCorp®. All rights reserved. KeyBank Member FDIC. 260311-4028128-1300740615
Since 1825, Liberty Bank has been dedicated to helping families throughout Connecticut. Today, we continue this commitment by helping to improve the lives of our customers, teammates and communities for generations to come. We are delighted to partner with organizations like Best Buddies Connecticut that share our commitment, and help make our communities great places to live and work. We are proud to sponsor the 2026 Champion of the Year Gala and spread kindness by supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in our communities.
liberty-bank.com
Member FDIC
Come build a genuine one-to-one friendship with an adult (ages 18+) in your community through monthly hangouts, shared interests, and everyday connection. Grab coffee, catch a movie, or simply stay in touch—join the fun and help create a world where everyone belongs!
A
B I G
Thank You
T O
O U R B O A R D , C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S A N D S T A F F
Board Members Kyle Brower Darrel Gibson Heather Iannone Deb Lavigne Ron Merek - Chair
Nancy Meyer Ella Paul Dave Renker Val Strange Sarah Swartz Andrew White
Committee Members Colleen Foley Mike James Deb Lavigne - Chair Brooklyn Mastracchio Olivia Melillo Nancy Meyer
Kathleen Moran Isabelle Patalino Hannah Petr Cathy Smarz Andrew White
Staff Lezlye Zupkus, State Director Lisa Enright, Director of Mission Advancement Elizabeth Navarro, Deputy Director of Jobs Kady Allen, Programs Supervisor Audra Fleury, Program Manager Emily Noonan, Program Manager
Thank You to Our Auction Donors! Adam Broderick Ahren Niles Angelo's Market Anonymous Aquila's Nest Vineyard Avelo Barcelona Bartaco Beardsley Zoo Bears Smoke House BBQ Bill Selig Jewelers Boston Red Sox Cathy Smarz Charles River Boat Company Cicciarella Family Cindy & Keith Sullivan Coca Cola Beverages Northeast Coco and Co Conway Family Darien Sport Shop David & Corinne Renker Delamar Hotel - West Hartford Elevated Craft Elm City Party Bike Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Everything is Rosey Farmington Polo Club Farmington Valley YMCA Firgeleski Family Gorjana Hartford Wolf Pack
High Rollers Luxury Lanes Hops on the Hill Huski Coolers Intelligent Change Jack Sennott James Family Jenni's Goodies Rep. Susan Johnson Kathleen Kennedy Kathleen Mohin Keri Fitzgerald Knockaround Little Barn Long Wharf Theatre Mallove's Mystic Maria Rose Melinda's Craft Pepper Sauces and Condiments Modern Glo Spa Mr. and Mrs. Hank Bednarz Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ham Mystic Aquarium Mystic Seaport Mueseum NBC Connecticut New Britain Museum of American Art Niantic Children's Museum Oak Hills Park Golf Course Ogham Art
Thank You to Our Auction Donors! Oyster Club Palace Theater Total Wine & More Palmer's Market Town Players of New Patalino Family Canaan, Inc. Peg Anthony Tree Trails Adventures Pez Mystic Playhouse on Park Two Roads Brewing Rich Egner and Jimmy Howley Verdi Ridge Vineyards Warner Theatre Ridgefield Playhouse Westport Country Ron Bushka & Family Playhouse RPM Raceway Wood-n-Tap Rumanoff's Jewelers Diana Yeisley Seigel Family Shibumi Shade Smoothville Smoothies Sonny's Place Splash Car Wash Sports Center CT Supercharged Indoor Go Karting Susan Banks Theatre Development Fund The Book Barn The Farms Country Club The Firestone Art Studio and Cafe The Sitting Duck Tavern The Wadsworth
Walk. Celebrate. Support.
April 2027
05.02.2027
Fairfield Friendship Walk
Hartford Friendship Walk Dunkin Donuts Park
Fairfield University
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as IDD). BESTBUDDIESFRIENDSHIPWALK.ORG/CONNECTICUT BESTBUDDIESFRIENDSHIPWALK.ORG/YOURSTATEHERE
Best Buddies in Connecticut 203-234-3996 | Connecticut@bestbuddies.org
MAKE A FRIEND | DONATE | VOLUNTEER To find your local Best Buddies office, visit: BESTBUDDIES.ORG