BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Locals may have noticed a ‘Yard Sale’ sign along Kenduskeag Avenue in Bangor on Oct. 9. Best Buddies Maine hosted a fundraiser for their organization. The global non-profit supports inclusion programs for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It all started when Kelly Scheetz collected items from community members.

She then organized the efforts for a yard sale, and patrons could come and collect what they pleased. All volunteers asked for was a donation to Best Buddies, big or small, so they can continue creating life-changing programs. “We do all the things that friends do,” said Katie Brydon, a volunteer for Best Buddies Maine. “We’re really trying to normalize the idea of friendship for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All of these funds go directly to our programs to create opportunities for inclusion at schools or in the community.”

A recent sing-a-long at Rising Tide in Portland was one of the many fundraisers taking place across the state for Best Buddies Maine, a non-profit dedicated to creating opportunities for connections and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD. Events like these raise money, but they’re also a chance for Maine’s IDD community to bond and grow stronger.

“I knew it would be fun, but I had no idea how much fun it was going to be,” said Sean Slaughter, of Cape Elizabeth. He and his son, Evan, take part in multiple events throughout the year. “They do that Best Buddies walk, the Best Buddies prom, Best Buddies movie nigh,” he said. “There’s a constant schedule of events, and Evan loves it because he is super social.”

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