Best Buddies Missouri

10/23/2026

10/22/2026

10/22/2026

10/18/2026

Be like Ethan! 💙 This October, round up your order and/or donate $1, $3, or $5 in the Jersey Mike’s app, in-store, and online to support Best Buddies and their mission to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

10/16/2026

🌟 Meet the Champion: Wendy Brumitt! 🌟

Wendy is vying for the 2026 Champion of the Year crown, and she's got backup!

Her journey with Best Buddies started when her daughter Kate joined her school's Friendship Chapter back in 6th grade. Fast forward to today: Kate is a senior and Chapter President for Eureka High School, and she's stepping up to serve as her mom's Campaign Manager!

Plus, Kate's longtime buddy Zach has joined the team as Wendy's Mission Partner. Wendy has watched Kate and Zach's friendship grow and their confidence soar through the Best Buddies program.

Wendy has also seen the impact of Best Buddies firsthand as a business owner, recently hiring a participant through the Best Buddies Jobs Program. She's thrilled to say that team member is now a valued part of her staff!

Now, Wendy, Kate, and Zach are asking YOU to join Team Brumitt and help them raise awareness (and funds!) for one-on-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Your support means so much to this incredible team. You can help them bring home the title! 💜🏆💼

https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/stlouis/supporting/

10/14/2026

🌟Meet the Champion: John Hawkey! 🌟

John has been nominated as a 2026 Champion of the Year for Best Buddies Missouri — and inclusion runs deep in his family.

With parents who were educators, a sister on the Best Buddies Advisory Board and working in special education, and his own role leading the Inclusion Program at De Smet Jesuit High School, John has spent his life building bridges of friendship and belonging.

In the shared spirit of Best Buddies mission, John and his students have formed meaningful connections that go far beyond the classroom — and now he's asking for your help to do even more.

Join John's campaign and help create a world where inclusion isn't the exception — it's the norm. 🏆💜🤝

https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/stlouis/supporting/

10/13/2026

🌟 Meet the Champion: Elizabeth Wickham! 🌟

Elizabeth leads one of Missouri's longest-standing Friendship Chapters at MICDS. She has been an active member in the Best Buddies chapter since her freshman year, and now a senior, serves as co-lead alongside friends May Durrill and Sadie Small.

Together with community partners Miriam School and KEEN St. Louis, she helps match participants in one-to-one friendships and hosts activities like the annual Pajama Jam, bowling events, and movie nights.

Over the years, Best Buddies has shaped Elizabeth's understanding of inclusion, kindness, and belonging — and she makes sure every student feels that same sense of connection. Her nomination for Champion of the Year reflects not just what she's given to the chapter, but how much the mission has given back to her.

Congratulations, Elizabeth — thank you for championing inclusion at MICDS and beyond! 💜🏆🎳

https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/stlouis/supporting/

10/09/2026

🌟 Meet the Champion: Vanessa Babb! 🌟

CEO and Founder of Modern Style Barber Shop, proud community leader, and a 2026 Best Buddies Champion Candidate.

Vanessa's 6-year-old nephew, Austin, is her inspiration and buddy for life. He has taught her the power of love, acceptance, and seeing the best in people.

That's why she's stepping up now — to help build a more inclusive world for Austin and so many others like him.

As a Champion Candidate, Vanessa is raising awareness and funds for Best Buddies' mission: creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Will you join Vanessa's mission? Make a donation, purchase a ticket, donate an auction item, or secure a matching gift from your employer. Every gift helps build a future where people like Austin are included, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are! 💈💜🏆

https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/stlouis/supporting/

10/08/2026

🌟 Meet the Champion: Emerson Cohen! 🌟

Give a wave to Emerson — junior at Rock Bridge High School, Miss Columbia's Teen, and 2026 Best Buddies Champion of the Year Candidate with a mission to transform her community!

Inspired by her Aunt Beth, Emerson has made disability inclusion the heart of her platform. As Vice President of Bruins United, a member of the Best Buddies Missouri Student Advisory Board, she's turned her passion into action!

Now, Emerson is taking her advocacy to the next level. As a Best Buddies Champion, she's been challenged to raise awareness and critical funding for the organization leading up to the gala on November 13.

Guiding her along the way is her Campaign Manager -- Best Buddies Global Ambassador and previous Grand Champion, Mr. Ethan Schroeder! Ethan is helping Emerson turn passion into impact and build a community of supporters ready to stand behind her.

For Emerson, inclusion isn't just a title — it's a daily commitment. Will you join Team Emerson? Every gift helps create a more inclusive Missouri for people with IDD. 👑💜🫶

https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/stlouis/supporting/

10/07/2026

🌟 Meet the Champion: Sage Acorn 🌟

For the third year running, Sage is stepping up as a Best Buddies Champion, and his inspiration has been with him from the start — his niece, Adi.

Adi brings joy, determination, and love into Sage's life every day. She's the reason he keeps showing up, year after year, to help build a more inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Sage's passion helps creates life-changing friendships, job opportunities, and leadership programs for people like Adi — because everyone deserves the chance to be valued and included.

This year, Sage is asking for your support once again. Every gift, no matter the size, helps move Best Buddies' mission forward. Join Sage in championing inclusion — for Adi, and for Missourians of all abilities. ✨💜🏆

https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/stlouis/supporting/