Over the 4th of July weekend, Best Buddies International hosted its Champion of the Year fundraiser at Hotel Jerome with the theme of a Gala en Blanc. Founded in 1987 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver when he was a student at Georgetown University, the organization has been dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since the beginning.

Shriver, 53, who founded the nonprofit program Best Buddies, which advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, shared fond memories of his cousin, Christopher Lawford, who died from a heart attack at age 63 on Tuesday, as well as his aunt, Rosemary Kennedy, whose disability spurred the foundation of Best Buddies.

Organization Will Officially Launch Its Eunie's Buddies Program to Empower Families on Their Journey of Raising a Child With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Nashville, TN, May 1, 2024