The 2009 Best Buddies VA Walk: Makes Great Strides for Friendship and Inclusion!
by KATIE KIRKLAND
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Thank you to the 2009 Best Buddies VA Walk Sponsors
Bayou Bakery
The Chefs Warehouse
Keany Produce Co.
Sysco |
With a strong showing from the BBVA chapters and local community groups, the 2009 Best Buddies VA Walk and Screen on the Green celebration was a great success. Showcasing the mission of inclusion and friendship and exceeding all fundraising goals, the event offered two walk routes, a gourmet BBQ and fun-filled celebration.
The event kicked off with a warm-up led by former Oakton chapter members and current BBVA college members, Claudia Serrano (UVA) and Michelle Sims (GMU). Between stretches, Claudia and Michelle led the crowd in the Best Buddies cheer.
Then, it was walk time: a huge crowd took on the challenge of the three-mile walk though beautiful Nottoway Park as others remained on the Oakton campus for a one-mile Fun Walk around the stadium track. It was a festive scene as volunteers cheered on the walkers and presented leis and tattoos with each lap. With announcer Andrew Blount blasting music and giving shout-outs to teams from the press box, the energy was high.
Immediately following the walk, everyone enjoyed an outstanding BBQ courtesy of Bayou Bakery, Keany Produce, Sysco and Chef's Warehouse. Special kudos to David Guas and the food committee! Students from Westbriar Elementary donated baked goods and Jody Wagner, candidate for Lt. Governor, provided gourmet popcorn.
Unfortunately, concerns about the weather led to the cancellation of the movie. School administrators are working with BBVA staff to schedule a make-up movie night. Everyone was having such a blast, dancing on the fields and playing flag football and Frisbee, that they took the news in stride. “Despite concerns about the weather, the sun and our community shined today,” said event co-chair Debbie Alsado. Pointing to a rainbow overhead, “How perfect is that, as we celebrate the wonderful, inclusive communities our children are creating.”
Event Highlights: Award and Reward Winners
When BBVA announced an event goal of $15,000, the chapter leaders pushed for a stretch goal of $20,000 in honor of the 20th anniversary of Best Buddies. That goal was not only met but exceeded with the event raising more than $23,000.
| Top Chapter: |
Team Oakton, raising over $4,750. |
| Top Community Group: |
Westbriar Elementary School, raising $2,683. |
| Top Fundraiser: |
Michael Charlton, Team Oakton, raising over $1,500. |
| Top Fundraisers: Honorable Mentions |
Andrew Roberts, Team Westfield
Daniel Aiuto, Team Potomac Falls
Brandi Lovett, Team Centreville
Nicolas Aiuto, Team Potomac Falls
Joe Davi, Team Oakton
Tana Leasure, Women United |
Top Teams - raising $1,000 or more:
Team Centreville
Team Marshall
Team Oakton
Team Potomac Falls
Team Sterling
Westbriar ES
Team Westfield
Women United
Top Teams - raising $500 to $999:
Team Langley
For more information, contact:
Katie Kirkland
Phone: (703) 533-9420
E-Mail: KatieKirkland@bestbuddies.org |
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