Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala Program

Gala

P R O G R A M B O O K

Welcome to the Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala!

On behalf of Best Buddies in Virginia & DC, welcome to the Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala, celebrating 20 years of our Virginia & DC office!

Tonight, we come together to celebrate friendship, inclusion, and the incredible community that makes our mission possible.

Your presence here helps empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support Each connection made and every dollar raised tonight brings us closer to a world where everyone is valued for their abilities and embraced for who they are

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and supporters who have made this evening possible. Thank you for joining us to honor our shared purpose — building a more inclusive future, together.

Enjoy the celebration, the camaraderie, and the joy of Homecoming!

With gratitude,

The Best Buddies in Virginia & DC Team

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Restaurant Sponsors

Event Planning Committee

Jennifer Resick - Homecoming Gala Chair, VADC Board Member

Sheila Stabile - Auction Chair

Jaxson Zimmerman - Champion Engagement Chair

Joseph Hacherl - Volunteer Chair

TCMA (A Drew Company) - Honorary Chairs

ScheduleofEvents

EVENT SCHEDULE & DETAILS

6:00PM - 7:00PM – VIP Hour in the Atrium Oculus reserved for VIP ticketed guests

6:00 PM – Chef & Best Buddy Sous Chef Tasting Stations, Silent Auction, Open Bar + Espresso Martini's & Bourbon Tasting. Enter for the chance to win one carat Diamond Earrings from Diamond's Direct and/or an incredible bottle of wine courtesy of Total Wine & More in our Wine Pull!

7:45 PM – Introduction of Champions, Live Auction, Mission Moments, Bid from the Heart, and the presentation of the Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Award sponsored by Tiffany & Co., followed by the crowning of our 2025 Champion of the Year!

9:15 PM – Let the dancing begin over in the Atrium!

10:00PM – Event Ends, Please pick up your Silent Auction winnings!

BidFromtheHeart

Best Buddies helps form meaningful friendships, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communications skills, all while feeling valued by society. These are just some of the ways you help support our mission when you donate today!

$7,500 & Up

Underwrite the employment support that Best Buddies Jobs provides a person with IDD, allowing them to find a job, become financially independent, receive benefits and work alongside others in the community.

$5,000

An elementary middle school, high school, or college Chapter for a year Best Buddies in Virginia & DC currently hosts around 100 school chapters across Virginia & DC There are over 2,100 schools in our area - so a lot of work left to do!

$2,500

Fund an all-day Leadership training day for up to 50 people with and without IDD, where attendees will gain the public speaking skills and confidence needed to champion inclusion throughout their community.

$1,000

The cost to send a Buddy to the Leadership Conference (Registration and Air)

$500

Registration for a leader to attend the Leadership Conference

The cost of a flight to send a student leader to the Leadership Conference in Indiana who might not otherwise be able to afford it

$250

Support a one-to-one friendship between someone with and without IDD, helping to build a mutually enriching connection that enhances lives!

$100

Teaching inclusion at an early age - supply training and instruction for interactive activities, lesson plans and tool kits for school students - learning acceptance and inclusion at a young age!

BidFromtheHeart

Raise those paddles, Win a Prize!

Best Buddies helps form meaningful friendships, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communications skills, all while feeling valued by society. These are just some of the ways you help support our mission when you donate today!

Raise your paddle at the $100 level for a chance to win a luxurious getaway in Roanoke, VA!

All $100 donations will be entered to win a one-night stay at The Liberty Trust Hotel, an elegant dinner experience, and decadent Kingsbury Chocolates.

Your generous gift not only supports a great cause but could also earn you a night of indulgence and relaxation in the heart of Roanoke!

2024 Champion of the Year

Sheila Stabile & Jaxson Zimmerman

Raised $81,000!

Sheila began her Champion candidacy after witnessing the incredible success of the 2023 Homecoming Gala and challenging herself to do more. “I was immediately touched,” Sheila said. “I loved hearing the Champions’ stories and how they proudly shared their meaningful experiences with their buddies.”

This competitive and passionate pair hit the ground running and encouraged each other every step of the way in the name of inclusion. “Jaxson is the true Champion,” Sheila said. “He inspires me every day with his kindness and his spirit ”

Jaxson is no stranger to Best Buddies or the crown. In 2022, Jaxson and his sister Michelle Zimmerman were named Champion of the Year.

2025ChampionoftheYearCandidates

Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Awardee

We are deeply honored to recognize James Lintott as this year’s recipient of the Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Award, sponsored by Tiffany & Co. This award celebrates James’s enduring commitment, compassion, and unwavering support that truly embody the spirit of lifelong friendship and service. His impact has touched countless lives, and we are proud to celebrate his remarkable legacy.

How to Bid

Register:

Text HomecomingCOY25 to (76278)

Donate:

Text the word GIVE and amount (dollar sign not required) to (76278)

*You can also bid in the silent auction once you’ve registered

Enter for the chance to win these gorgeous one carat Diamond Hoop earrings!

1 for $50 3 for $125

Visit the Diamonds Direct table in the Atrium Hall!

Drawing will take place at the end of Bid from the Heart!

Try your luck at the Wine Pull!

For just $25 per pull, you’ll take home a mystery bottle of wine valued anywhere from $25 to $100.

Every pull is a winner and you might just uncork something extraordinary!

LIVE AUCTION PREVIEW

#115 - Ultimate Commanders Experience

A W e for Four

Signed #76 Sam Cosmi Jersey

Watch the Commanders take on the Philadelphia Eagles on December 20th, 2025, from the best seats in the house! Enjoy the game from Club Level after taking in pre-game warmups from the sidelines!

Package includes:

(4) Club Level Tickets

(4) Pregame Field Passes

(1) Parking Pass

This package also features a signed Sam Cosmi jersey. Sam Cosmi, standout offensive lineman for the Commanders, is not only a force on the field but also a passionate advocate for Best Buddies, dedicating his time and voice to creating friendships, inclusion, and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Restrictions:

Valid only on December 20th, 2025. Non-transferable. Tickets and parking passes are sent via mobile ticket transfer the week of the game. Please contact the Washington Commanders Foundation to coordinate detailsexact ticket locations and parking pass to be determined by the Washington Commanders and subject to availability

Donated By Sam and Blair Cosmi

LIVE AUCTION PREVIEW

#116 - 2026 Friendship Walk Grand Marshal

This is a onc u take on this prestigious role of Grand Marshal of the 2026 Best Buddies VADC Friendship Walk on the National Mall, April 25th.

New this year: you'll lead us off in style on the official lead golf cart! Previous Winners Include:

John Drew

Lee Brown

Brandon Elledge

Sam Perry

Nathaniel Hong

Special guest: Sam Cosmi

Who will be next?

This Friendship Walk is the largest of all Best Buddies Walks! You will join our Friendship Walk Emcee Eileen Whelan from WJLA7 on stage to welcome the walkers, before you lead the 2000+ crowd down the Mall on the Walk course by giving the Best Buddies Cheer and officially start the Walk at the front of the starting line with your family and friends. You'll also be featured in the official Walk video; have a special Walk 2026 flag designating you as the 2026 Grand Marshal and have as many photo ops with Best Buddies as you like!

Your role as Grand Marshal will be acknowledged publicly in all media releases, highlighting your commitment to Best Buddies.

Donated By Best Buddies in Virginia and DC

LIVE AUCTION PREVIEW

#117 - Private 3-Course Dinner Experience + Wine

Private 3-Course Dinner for 5 with Personal Sommelier + Fine Wine Collection

Enjoy an unforgettable at-home dining experience for five, featuring a gourmet three-course meal by Michelin-trained Chef Ned Huffman and personalized wine pairings from Sommelier Raquel Torres O’Brien Your evening includes 7 bottles of fine wine to get you started— perfect for any occasion

Restrictions:

Grocery costs not included. Dinner unavailable 10/31–11/1, 11/27–11/28, 12/14–1/1 Sommelier expires 10/2026 Must be 21+ Wine pickup required by 12/1/2025; no shipping provided.

Donated by Chef Ned Huffman, Raquel Torres O’Brien, and Matthew & Jen Berzok

LIVE AUCTION PREVIEW

#118 - Sea Island Luxury Escape for Two

Experience the ultimate coastal getaway with this all-inclusive Sea Island package!

Round-trip United Airlines tickets for two bring you to the stunning Georgia coast.

Enjoy two nights in the Garden Wing or standard view accommodations of your choice at The Cloister or The Lodge, both offering timeless elegance and Southern charm at Sea Island. Tee off with a round of golf for two on the Seaside or Retreat Courses, complete with cart and forecaddie.

Explore the natural beauty of the coast with a kayaking tour for two with Golden Isle Paddle Company, paddling through salt marshes and tidal creeks in search of dolphins, roseate spoonbills, and bald eagles.

Cap off your stay with an unforgettable four-course dinner for two at Dorothy's Cocktail & Oyster Bar, custom curated by the chef and paired with wines selected by the beverage director.

Restrictions:

Sea Island: Includes tax, parking, and resort fee. Non-transferable and non-redeemable for cash. Once reservations are confirmed, changes or cancellations are not permitted No substitutions Valid through October 24th, 2026. Based on availability. Blackout dates apply.

Golden Isle Paddling: Subject to availability Expiration 08/01/2026

Dorthy's: Blackout 12/31/25/ Expiration 10/1/26

Donated By Sea Island Dorthys Cocktail and Oyster Bar Golden Isle Paddle Company

Thank you for coming!

04.26.2026 8:30am-12pm | National Mall, Washington, D.C. Walk.

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as