We Walk as One is the rallying cry of Best Buddies CA’s (BBCA) 2012 SoCal Friendship Walk - a fitting theme for an event that is both strengthened and humbled by the size of its community participation. “If the Kick-Off event doesn’t prove how much strength and conviction is held within the Southern California Best Buddies Chapters, I don’t know what will. Tonight truly proves the power of unity and friendship on which Best Buddies is founded,” David Grazer, Development Coordinator, Best Buddies CA.
On Wednesday night, at El Dorado Golf Course in Long Beach, Best Buddies California and Walk Chairman, Cheri Foreman, hosted its official Friendship Walk/Bingo Kick-Off.
This was a night not only to launch the push to cross the $40,000 fundraising threshold, but a night for buddy pairs to come and enjoy a night out with some good ol’ fashion bingo fun and share their personal stories about Best Buddies and its ability to help transform communities. Five new team captains registered their teams on the website, and everyone who registered got a goody plus a bag of Best Buddies Blend coffee, provided by Cheri Foreman and her husband Toby.
The night kicked off with a few short remarks from Patty Evans, BBCA State Director, Jessica Foults, Friendship Program Supervisor, Southern California, and Walk Chair Cheri Foreman about the importance and social reach of the walk. But it was the University of California, Irvine (UCI) chapter who brought the house to its feet as they shared with the crowd how BBCA had influenced their lives for the better and why the walk means so much to them. “The stories of our buddies, that’s what this night was about. It drives home the importance and the impact of what these students do on their campuses. We are so proud of our UCI for continuing to inspire and be a crucial element to the mission of Best Buddies,” Patty Evans, State Director, Best Buddies CA.
With such an incredible turnout, there is no question that this year’s walk will be a phenomenal success and continue to spark the movement toward a more inclusive social landscape. Patty reminded the audience that fundraising for their teams should be fun. “Remember,” she said, “when you ask someone for a donation, you’re doing them a favor. You’re giving them the opportunity to support and be a part of creating a more humane and open society for everyone.”
The BBCA SoCal Walk is on Saturday, April 21st at Shoreline Park in Long Beach. If you have not already registered as a team captain or joined an established team for the SoCal Walk go to: www.bestbuddiescalifornia.org/socalwalk.
And if you are from Northern California, be sure to register at: www.bestbuddiescalifornia.org/sfwalk for the walk at Crissy Field, Saturday, April 28, 2012.
We look forward to seeing you out at both walks.
Remember: We Walk as One!
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