Best Buddies Friendship Walk Brings Community Together to Champion Inclusion
[Rochester, NY] — [Saturday, April 25, 2026] — Best Buddies International, a leading nonprofit dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), will host its annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Saturday, April 25th at Total Sports Experience in Gates. The event brings together families, students, corporate teams, and community members to celebrate friendship, inclusion, and belonging.
The Friendship Walk is Best Buddies’ signature fundraising and awareness event, supporting programs that create one‑to‑one friendships, inclusive employment opportunities, leadership development, and independent living for individuals with IDD. Participants of all ages will gather to walk in support of a more inclusive world—one friendship at a time.
“I got involved in Best Buddies because everyone should feel included. Everyone should feel like part of the community because everyone matters,” said Shannon Salluzzo - Best Buddies Participant & Nazareth University Life Prep Student.
This year’s event will feature Bach to Rock, family activities, sponsor activations, recognition moments, etc., along with opportunities for participants to connect with Best Buddies program participants and supporters from across the region.
Community members are encouraged to register, form teams, and fundraise in advance of the walk. Proceeds directly support Best Buddies programs in Western New York, creating lasting opportunities for people with IDD.
Event Details:
- What: Best Buddies Friendship Walk
- When: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Where: Total Sports Experience in Gates, NY
- Who: Open to the public
- Register/Fundraise: https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/rochester/
To learn more or get involved, visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/newyork/ or follow Best Buddies on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestbuddiesny
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestbuddiesny/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-buddies-new-york/
About Best Buddies International
Mission
Best Buddies International 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 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Who We Serve
Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.
Programs
Best Buddies is the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.