Gala P R O G R A M
B O O K
Welcome to the 2026 Best Buddies Gala! On behalf of everyone at Best Buddies, welcome, and thank you for being here tonight! Whether this is your first Best Buddies event or you've been part of our community for years, I'm so glad you've joined us. Tonight isn't just a celebration, it's a reflection of what's possible when people choose to show up for one another with openness, kindness, and genuine friendship. Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing the impact of our mission firsthand. These moments remind me why this work matters so deeply, and why you matter so deeply to this work. Because of your generosity, support, and belief in a more inclusive world, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across our state are building friendships, gaining employment, developing leadership skills, and living more independently. You are helping to end isolation and create communities where everyone truly belongs. Tonight, you'll hear stories that inspire you, meet people who will move you, and hopefully leave with a renewed sense of purpose. I invite you to open your hearts, celebrate our incredible participants and volunteers, and consider how you might deepen your impact in the year ahead. Thank you for standing with Best Buddies. Thank you for believing in the power of friendship. And thank you for being exactly the kind of community member who makes nights like this possible. With gratitude and excitement for what's ahead, Kristen Dalton State Director, Best Buddies Maine
Bid From the Heart The Value of Your Donation Supports 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. $15,000 • This INCREDIBLE donation would support the beginning framework of the Family Support pillar, a brand new pillar for Best Buddies Maine that includes local social groups, family meet ups, siblings events, mentorship opportunities and more. $10,000 • Help us open two brand new elementary or middle school chapters here in Maine, following in the footsteps of incredible programs like Weatherbee Elementary - the Best Buddies Elementary Chapter of the Year in Maine! $5,000 • Help send 10 students from Maine to the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Indiana! Your donation would cover all the costs for a life changing trip for these students to learn and grow amongst Best Buddies leaders from around the world. $2,500 • Help support the Best Buddies Transitions program as we work with high school students to prepare for life after graduation through job-shadowing and mentoring opportunities in our communities around Maine. $1,000 • Sponsor the cost of a prom for student participants, ensuring the students, their families and their friends all get a chance to make core high school memories! $500 • Cover the cost of a Citizens chapter party, like our annual Friendsgiving Feast or the famous Holiday Karaoke Party! Your gift helps secure a venue, food for everyone, and fun for our entire community of Citizens!
2025 Champion of the Year
Grace Tyll Grace Tyll, now in her junior year at Greely High School, was the 2025 Champion of the year, raising a record breaking $88,000 for Best Buddies Maine. Grace’s fundraising efforts were an incredible testiment to her constant support for inclusion in her school and across Maine communities. If you, or someone you know, would like to be a Champion candidate for next years Champion of the Year Gala, send us an email at maine@bestbuddies.org
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Walk. Celebrate. Support.
SPRING 2027 Portland Walk | Time: TBD | Fitzpatrick Stadium Bangor Walk | Time: TBD | Cameron Stadium 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/YOURSTATEHERE