The Alabama office of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), hosted the Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Auburn on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Town Creek Park in Auburn.

The Auburn University Best Buddies Chapter was proud to have 235 participants lacing up their shoes to walk for inclusion, all working towards a fundraising goal of $10,000. The goal was surpassed with $12,000 raised in Auburn, contributing to the state’s overall total of $54,000 raised. Registration began at 10:30 a.m. and the Walk began at 11:15 a.m. at Town Creek Park.

Opening Ceremonies included the National Anthem, performed by Bitty Abelee, a member of the Auburn chapter, as well as a speech from Best Buddies pair Lexie Mullvahill and Abbey Willis. In addition, Auburn University’s PT/OT Club conducted a pre-walk group stretch.

This year’s top five fundraisers lead the walk: Stephanie Taylor Arnold, Joshua Duck, Rubie Simon, Lindsey Gaston, and Jonathan Gracey. Walk special guests included: Mikella Anderson, Miss Auburn University, Mary-Coker Green, Miss Shelby County, Diane Westhoven, Miss Alabama USA, and Ava LeBlanc, Miss Alabama USA Teen. Awards were distributed to the following:

• Top Fundraiser: Stephanie Taylor Arnold
• Top Fundraising Team: Auburn University
• Spirit Award: Emma Ledbetter

Following the Friendship Walk, participants joined Best Buddies for a day of fun, family, wellness, and friendship. There were activities such as friendship bracelets, yard games, face painting, and more.

Proceeds from the Friendship Walk support state programs that provide one-to-one friendships and leadership development for individuals in Alabama. This walk would not have happened without the hard work of the executive team for the Auburn Best Buddies chapter, especially chapter President Emma Ledbetter.

Walk for inclusion. Walk for friendship. Walk for a better Alabama. 

This year’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Auburn sponsors and corporate partners include Specialty Piping, Little Italy Pizzeria, Angel’s Antiques and Flea Mall, Liquid Lenny’s Customs, Rudd Furniture, The Yoga Room, Effective Outdoor Advertising, Well Red Coffee, Books, & Wine, Coca-Cola, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, and Jimmy John’s.

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL:

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to over 3,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 46 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 1.3 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

For more information about the Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Auburn and/or media inquiries, please contact:

Grace Anne Maughan, Director of Mission Advancement

Best Buddies in Alabama
GraceAnneMaughan@bestbuddies.org