Best Buddies California is overjoyed at the success of the first-ever Best Buddies California Friendship Walk that occurred this past Saturday, April 16th in San Francisco! Over 160 participants with and without disabilities walked along Crissy Fields against the backdrop of sunny skies and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Walkers hailed from high schools, colleges and the greater Bay Area community, joining together to walk in support of inclusion and friendship for all. In doing so, these individuals collectively raised over $23,000 in support of Best Buddies and our local programs.
The day began with a group work-out led by aerobics instructor Amy Haines from the Harbor Bay Club and the University of San Francisco’s Spirit Squad. The crowd listened to a terrific line-up, including former Mayor of San Francisco, The Honorable Mayor Willie L. Brown and three Buddy Ambassadors.
Mayor Brown addressed the crowd, stating, “Walking is redemptive. What you are doing by being here, here and at your Walks across the country, is so important.”
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| Mayor Willie L. Brown of San Francisco |
Buddy Ambassadors Michael Kelly, John Coulter, and John Hammond, and Peer Buddy Krisna Tahija, described the importance of Best Buddies in their lives:
Michael Kelly said, “I love Best Buddies. I was in the Best Buddies program in Palo Alto High School, the first Best Buddies program in the Bay Area. Now, I am a Buddy Ambassador.”
“I like Best Buddies because of friends and events,” reported John Coulter.
John Hammond declared, “I think Best Buddies is a great organization. There are three reasons why: We have fun events. Through these events, and through one-to-one friendships, we get to learn about people. By making friends, we become better people.”
Krisna shared, “This relationship I have with John has taught me so much about what being a true friend really means. Best Buddies is so much more than ‘help.’ It is learning how to be a friend…. Genuine friendships are kind of hard to find. People often spend a lifetime looking for these without establishing a successful one. Which is why when we do find a genuine friend, one who’s not trying to gain anything specific from you, we cherish that moment.”
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| Walking Around Crissy Field |
Speakers and walkers alike embodied the spirit and community that is Best Buddies. Students with and without disabilities traveled from as far south as Cupertino High School, as far north as Jesse Bethel High School, and as far east as Alameda High School to take part in the Friendship Walk: changing lives one step at a time!
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