Global Ambassador Shares Heartwarming National Anthem Experience
TAMPA, Sept. 28, 2023 — Christina Hundley, a Global Ambassador for Best Buddies International, the groundbreaking international nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), spoke to WFLA in Tampa, Florida, to discuss Best Buddies and her recent opportunity to sing the national anthem at a Tampa Bay Rays’ baseball game.
“It was the biggest out-of-body experience for me,” Hundley said. “I’ve never sung for a baseball team like the Tampa Bay Rays.”
Christina was joined by Morgan Heartsfield, the area director for Best Buddies in Tampa.
“[Christina] is such a light to so many of her friends and so many of her family members,” Heartsfield said. “[Christina shows] the beauty that comes when you’re given the chance to be in a safe space to embrace your authenticity.”
Watch the full interview here.
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 and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ nine formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters and Inclusive Living— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 49 countries, positively impacting the lives of over 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, facebook.com/bestbuddies or instagram.com/bestbuddies.
Media inquiries:
Best Buddies International:
Jacob Pasternack
