1. A buddy now. A Friend for life.

2. Our history
Best Buddies was founded in 1989 by Anthony Shriver as a vibrant, international and nonprofit organization.
Best Buddies Jacksonville was founded in 1995.
This organization has grown from one original chapter to nearly 1,500 middle school, high school and college chapters worldwide.
Best Buddies is comprised of eight formal programs that positively impacts nearly 700,000 individuals.

3. Our mission and Values
Our mission is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD.)  
We envision a world where people with IDD are successfully integrated into our schools, workplaces and general communities.  

4. How we make a difference
When people with intellectual disabilities are unable to obtain or maintain a job, it is most often due to an absence of social skills rather than an inadequacy to perform the work required.
Best Buddies introduces socialization opportunities and job coaching, providing the necessary tools for people with intellectual disabilities to become more independent and, consequently, more included in the community.

5. Current/PAST SPONSORS and donors
Audi Jacksonville
PSS World Medical
Publix
Wal-Mart
Vallencourt Construction
Durbin Crossing
Sessions Realty
Law Office of Joe Van Rooy
Gray Robinson
Gartner, Brock, Simon
Malnove Packaging
Stellar
TD Bank
Ameris Bank
The Jacksonville Landing
Liberty Property Trust
Hyatt Regency Riverfront
The Crown Plaza
Coke
Pepsi
Target
Copytronics
Sleiman Enterprises
M.M. Grinnan

6. Corporate Video

7. Featuring some of the most spectacular desserts from Jacksonville vendors. Participants may sample these sweet bites while browsing the Best Buddies silent art auction. Best Buddies Jacksonville annually hosts a casino night of fun, food and entertainment for all of its participants and supporters. Attendees will also enjoy lavish hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, desserts, music, a silent auction, a raffle and an exciting prize for the top winner.

8. Middle and high school students from the area attended the socially-integrated prom for students both with and without IDD. The Friendship Walk changes lives as participants walk for inclusion, friendship, leadership, and opportunities for people with and without IDD.

9. CONTACT US
Erika Hatch, Area Director Phone: Fax: Best Buddies Jacksonville 4130 Salisbury Road, Suite 2200 Jacksonville, Florida