Help Samantha raise money

Inclusion changes lives. That’s why I’m running the Beach to Beacon 10K for Best Buddies in Maine! Every dollar I raise helps to break down barriers and to build opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It may be difficult to imagine, but what would your world be like if you did not have a single friend? Can you imagine the isolation you would feel if the ONLY people you talked to were your family members and paid caregivers? Sadly, too many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community know exactly how that feels. They don't know what it's like to get a phone call or a birthday gift from a friend. But they do know what it's like to be bullied, ignored or excluded. That needs to change, and that’s exactly why Best Buddies exists! 

Best Buddies is an international, non-profit organization that provides opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through meaningful, one- to-one friendships, supported employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support. Best Buddies means so much to me because I’ve seen it truly transform the lives. I’ve met the absolute most incredible people through Best Buddies, including Arden.

Arden and I connected through our love of being active and, of course, dogs.  We spend time hiking, bowling, exploring Portland, going to concerts, playing sports, walking dogs, and enjoying Best Buddies social gatherings.  Arden has struggled to get outside her apartment unless she has someone with whom to meet, and I can happily say that she and I will be getting outside her apartment even more because we will be running the Beach to Beacon 10K together!  We are incredibly excited to train together over the next few months, raise money for Best Buddies Maine, and enjoy every step of this marquee race!!

Together, we can create a world where everyone belongs. Will you support my race for inclusion with a donation? You can make a contribution online at the link below, Venmo @Sam-and-Arden-B2B (last four digits 0049) or send your gift in an enclosed envelope to the address below by August 1st.

Thank you for your support - you are truly making a difference!

Checks made out to Best Buddies Maine

Mail donations to:

Best Buddies Maine

PO Box 576

Cumberland, ME 04021

Best Buddies Maine Tax ID #: 52-1614576