Best Buddies 2019 Champion Of The Year Gala
October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and celebrates the monumental contributions of employees with disabilities and highlights the importance of inclusive workforces. Best Buddies Jobs program helps integrate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) into the workforce and help strengthen our community. This program has participants that are employed full time who each have the potential to earn a total income upwards of $1 million over 30 years and help contribute $250k in taxes back into the economy.
Despite Best Buddies great accomplishments, there are still obstacles to overcome. Currently, 81% of adults with developmental disabilities are not employed and earn no income. It is important to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to earn their own income and be able to work alongside others in the community.
Best Buddies’ campaign, Delivering Jobs, creates pathways for those with developmental disabilities to secure employment and leadership roles. This is done by motivating and equipping employers to hire this qualified, untapped labor force, engaging the public to foster inclusive communities and preparing this community for employment. This year’s campaign theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now,” which perfectly signifies the life-changing work that Best Buddies strives for.
Please meet Elyse Mundelein, a participant in the Best Buddies Jobs Program in Central Florida. Elyse joined The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller this past Summer. She is a hardworking office assistant, who is a delight to be around and makes a positive impact on our team. She is a great asset to the firm.
We invite you to support Elyse Mundelein and her Champion, Joe Sipp. Best Buddies Champion of the Year is an annual fundraising competition. These philanthropic individuals compete to raise the most funds for Best Buddies and earn the ultimate title of Champion of the Year. By reaching out to the community to raise funds and spread awareness, candidates champion for Best Buddies, our mission, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Following the fundraising campaign, Best Buddies will recognize the candidate who has raised the largest amount in donations at the annual Champion of the Year Gala, which is Friday, October 25th, 2019 at Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel.
Please join us for the annual celebratory gala benefiting a cause that celebrates friendship and inclusion! If you would like to help us support Elyse and Joe on their campaign, either by attending or making a financial contribution, please click the link below to donate.