Walk free, donations benefit those with intellectual, developmental disabilities
LAS VEGAS – Best Buddies Nevada will host its inaugural Friendship Walk Saturday, March 29, at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey Blvd. This is the first organized walk to take place at the Magical Forest.
Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization whose mission is 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.
For its inaugural Friendship Walk, Best Buddies will recognize and honor the Lloyd and LaPrele George family for their lifelong devotion to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and for their support of various organizations that serve this community. Their service began at home with the birth of their firstborn child, a son whose cheerfulness and inspiration continues to enrich their family and the community.
The Friendship Walk is a life-changing movement created by Best Buddies. Since 2009, more than 40,000 participants have walked in more than 22 states, raising more than $3 million for Best Buddies.
Walk registration begins at 10 a.m., and the walk will start at 11 a.m. and end at noon. A festival complete with a carousal ride, miniature golf, entertainment, free give-a-ways, a variety of food options and more will follow the walk and will last until 2 p.m. While it’s free to participate in the walk (you must register for free online first at bestbuddiesnevada.org/walk), individuals and teams can seek sponsorships and raise funds as part of their participation.
Proceeds from the walk play a fundamental part in funding Best Buddies Nevada’s programs and will create promising opportunities for more than 5,000 local Nevadans this year.
Participants will walk for inclusion, friendship, leadership and opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
“Over the years, Best Buddies’ walks have made a profound impact in communities nationwide, especially for individuals with IDD,” said Jason Smith, state director. “We are hoping to increase that impact locally this year.”
To register a team for the walk, visit bestbuddiesnevada.org/walk.
In five short years, Best Buddies Nevada has educated and informed thousands of school-age children and adults through assemblies and one-to-one meetings with educators and families about the Best Buddies movement.
For more information, visit bestbuddiesnevada.org or call 702-822-2268.