Garden City High School leads fundraising in Long Island’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk
On May 9, Garden City High School participated in the annual Long Island Best Buddies Friendship Walk, the nation’s leading event supporting inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each year, more than 50,000 participants at 80 walks and events nationwide raise awareness and funds for Best Buddies programs in schools, workplaces and communities.
At this year’s Long Island Best Buddies Friendship Walk, Garden City High School was recognized as the top fundraising school team, contributing $5,647.96 toward the event’s nearly $60,000 total. The funds raised will help support and expand Best Buddies friendship programs in schools across Long Island.
The event featured a performance by the GC Vocal Jazz group, which sang a medley of songs on stage, while GC SEPTA supported participants by providing sensory swag throughout the day. Teachers, parents, administrators and community members also came together to celebrate and show their support.
The walk also included remarks from Best Buddies members Jules Chapman and Shane Patel, who were recently invited to speak at the Best Buddies International Conference at Indiana University in July.
“There is always something fun to do in Best Buddies, from hot chocolate lunch and kickball to painting, scavenger hunts, pizza parties and more,” said Jules. “But most importantly, in Best Buddies it doesn’t matter what we are doing, it matters who we are doing it with.”
“Best Buddies is a great program to help you make friendships and see what you can have in common with people who are different,” said Shane. “I’m excited to continue Best Buddies and make even more great friends.”
“The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is one of my highlights every year,” said Sivan Chapman, a second-year member of the planning committee. “It was a beautiful day of unity, and we are now organizing the first Best Buddies Long Island Benefit Gala, which will be held at the Garden City Country Club on October 15.”
Special thanks to GCHS advisers Allison Moss and Travis Kalberer, Garden City volunteers including Sivan Chapman, Jules Chapman and Janalyn Pomeroy, the Best Buddies Long Island Committee and all members of the Garden City community who attended and supported the event.