The 2010 Best Buddies VA Walk Exceeds Goal
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Top Chapter: Team Oakton
Top Community Group: Westbriar Elementary School
Top Fundraisers: Tommy & Andrew Roberts, Brandi Lovett, Shawn Estrada, Mike Charlton, Priya Krishnan
Laurent Amzallag warming up the crowd
Chef David Guas, DamGoodSweet, manning the grills! |
by LAURA CULLEN
Best Buddies ILLINOIS
It was a picture-perfect spring day on Saturday, May 8th as Oakton High School hosted the 2010 Best Buddies VA Walk & BBQ Celebration.
With over 500 Best Buddies members, supporters and friends in attendance, the event achieved its stretch goal of $30,000! Led by top fundraiser Michael Charlton, Team Oakton once again beat out the competition to be named "Top Chapter".
With superstar Priya Krishnan setting the pace, Westbriar Elementary School received honors as the "Top Community Group" for the second year in a row.
The event kicked off with celebrity trainer, Laurent Amzallag of YaLa Workout fame, leading a spirited warm-up that had the crowd laughing, jumping, dancing and having a blast!
Runners took their marks under the balloon arch for the start of the 5K. Walkers soon followed through Nottoway Park as others enjoyed the Fun Walk on Oakton's Track.
Upon their return, walkers and runners were greeted by local band Ego Friendly and a BBQ prepared by Chef (and BBVA Advisory Board Member) David Guas of DamGoodSweet. "That was the best barbecue I've ever tasted," said Team Margarita's Ashleigh Bolling.
"I couldn't have done this without all of the amazing volunteers on the Walk Committee," said Debbie Alsado, 2010 Walk Chair.
"K Scarry and Zach Myers [Oakton and Langley Chapter Presidents] really stepped up the event when they agreed to serve as my co-chairs. We have big shoes to fill next year."
Special thanks to Whole Foods Tysons Corner, Oakton High School (especially Principal John Banbury, Assistant Principal Robin Mentzer and the Activities Office staff) and SAIC for their generous support of the Best Buddies mission as sponsors of the event.
A tasty thank you to Keany Produce, Fells Point Wholesale Meats (responsible for the delicious Angus burgers), The Chefs Warehouse and our own David Guas for donating and preparing the BBQ.
When Katie Brydon, Deputy Director of Programs for Best Buddies International said, "Wow! What a supportive community you have in Virginia," she wasn't kidding.
Thank you, BBVA chapters, for all that you do and for being the face of inclusion and friendship in our area.
| Top Chapter: |
Team Oakton |
| Top Community Group: |
Westbriar Elementary School |
| Top Fundraiser: |
Michael Charlton, Team Oakton |
| Top Fundraisers: Honorable Mentions |
Brandi Lovett, Team Centreville
Shawn Estrada, Team Chantilly
Andrew & Tommy Roberts, Team Westfield
Priya Krishnan, Westfield Elementary School |
Top Teams - raising $1,000 or more:
Sterling Middle School
Team Centreville
Team Chantilly
Team Langley
Team Marshall
Team Oakton
Team Westfield
Top Teams - raising $500 to $999:
Eric's Team
Mad LAX
Road Runners
Team HB Woodlawn-Stratford
We Are Best Buddies
For more information, contact:
Jan Rivas
Phone: (703) 533-9420
E-Mail: JanRivas@bestbuddies.org |
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