On November 1, 2024, over 300 Best Buddies supporters, 400 students, and 100 volunteers gathered for the annual Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala, a special event dedicated to raising essential funds for Best Buddies programs in Virginia & Washington, DC.

Click here to watch the video recap and find photos on our Flickr.

Adult Gala

Champions

Together, the event raised over $310,000—smashing the $260,000 goal—to sustain and help expand Best Buddies programs in the Virginia and DC area.

Congratulations to Sheila Stabile and Jaxson Zimmerman, the 2024 Champions of the Year! Sheila and Jaxson broke a Virginia and DC record by raising $81,000. Click here to read more about their story and the seven other incredible Champion Candidates who advocated for inclusion.

Speakers

Rosie, the 2021 Champion of the Year, kicked off the evening with a welcome speech, saying, “I knew that [Best Buddies] was a place where I would always be included, accepted, and celebrated for who I am.”

Homecoming Chair and Advisory Board Member Jennifer Resick Williams reminded guests of Best Buddies’ lifelong impact on individuals with IDD and their families through school and adult friendship programs, job support, and leadership training: “An inclusive community is a strong community.”

Washington Commanders guard Sam Cosmi joined the stage with his wife, Blaire Westerlund Cosmi, to announce his support for Best Buddies through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats.

Shane Walsh, a student leader and special education major at James Madison University, spoke about his experience with Best Buddies. Through challenging times at school and with his younger brother Lucas, Shane found support through his Best Buddies chapter.

“Every individual deserves the chance to be great, to hold a job, and most importantly, have their voice be heard,” Shane said. “But there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in our community,” he explained, stating that this was why he decided to study special education at James Madison University.

“When I’m older, I want to make the world a better place for people like my brother, Lucas, and for all individuals with IDD.”

2024 Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Award

Advisory Board Chair Taylor Brandreth and Advisory Board Member Allyson Waldrep of Tiffany & Co. presented longtime Best Buddies supporter Nancy Merrill Sullivan, President of the Merrill Family Foundation, with the 2024 Diane Ray Brown Lifetime of Friendship Award. Over the past eight years, Nancy and the Merrill Family Foundation have quietly and meaningfully made a significant impact on the growth of Best Buddies in Virginia and DC.

Chefs and Sous Chefs

Throughout the fall, 10 chefs and sous chefs met to get to know one another, tour the restaurant, and decide what they wanted to serve at the gala together. From duck tacos and cauliflower shrimp soup to braised short ribs and meatballs, the sampling was an adventure for the taste buds.

Returning chefs included host and Executive Chef Houman Gohary from the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center with sous chef Andres, Chef Greg Lucero from Taco Bamba with sous chefs Abby and Naia, Chef Matteo Venini from Stellina Pizzeria with sous chef Jeremiah, and Chef Jarrad Silver from Silver and Sons with sous chef Shon. Chef Glenn Rolnik and Chef Isidro Ruiz from Carmine’s with sous chef Paul, and Chef Grace Shea from Lebanese Taverna with sous chef Jonah.

New chefs included Chef Thomas Harvey from Harvey’s with sous chef Terry, Tricia Barba from Preservation Biscuit Company with sous chef Abby, Chef Chris Morgan from Joon with sous chef Rosie, and Chef Quentin Welsh from Bourbon Steak with sous chef Ellie.

Student Dance

Across the hall, almost 400 students from high school and college Best Buddies chapters from across Virginia and DC danced the night away at the inclusive Homecoming Dance.

Zara Jackson, Best Buddies State Ambassador and chapter secretary at the Madeira School, welcomed students to the festivities and reminded them of the dream they strive towards together.

“Together, we can create a school environment where everyone is valued, where no one feels alone, and where inclusion becomes a part of everything we do.”

Students enjoyed music from DJ 24/7, pizza from Potomac Pizza, popcorn and desserts from the Ronald Reagan Building, a color bar from Kendra Scott, and many more crafts and games. Friends sent each other flowers and tried their luck at the raffle, winning prizes such as the opportunity to shadow the State Director for the day and a donut party for their chapter!

Thank You

The Homecoming: Two Parties One Purpose Gala is a true testament to the power of inclusion and community. From Shane Walsh’s heartfelt speech about his bond with his little brother Lucas to Zara’s reminder that together, an inclusive world is possible, the evening was filled with stories that highlighted the importance of friendship and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As Shane reminded us, “Every individual deserves the chance to be great, to hold a job, and most importantly, have their voice be heard,” a message that echoed throughout the night and resonated with everyone in the room.

Thank you to our sponsors: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center TCMA, the Malik Foundation, Tiffany & Co., Deloitte, Saul Ewing, H.B. Fuller, Holland & Knight, CST Group, Wolf Auction Group, Pike Productions, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, Team Belu, and Know PR.

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers and volunteer groups from Best Buddies Ambassadors, Best Buddies Living, Accenture, and the National Charity League Bluebell and Cherry Blossom chapters.

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, attended, donated, and shared their stories. Together, we are building a community where inclusion isn’t just an idea—it’s a way of life.