Best Buddies Friendship Walk returns to Eastern Iowa for first time since 2019

CEDAR RAPIDS — For the first time in four years, the Best Buddies Friendship Walk is returning in-person to Eastern Iowa with a mission that didn’t pause with the pandemic.

Started in 2016, organizers at Best Buddies International expect upward of 200 participants in this year’s walk — their second-largest annual fundraiser.

But with about $3,600 raised so far, they could use more help in reaching their $5,000 fundraising goal.

The ultimate goal is to bring friendships to every person with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in schools, colleges and chapters across the world.

“There’s already Special Olympics, but not every kid is an athlete. But every kid could use a friend,” said Ted Rives, director of development for Best Buddies International. “We pair individuals with IDD with buddies and make those friendships happen.”

While the first few years of the pandemic highlighted the impacts of isolation to virtually everyone, it’s a concept that many folks they serve were already familiar with well before COVID-19.

Since coming to Eastern Iowa in 2016, one of Best Buddies’ signature events has sparked friendships that last a lifetime and a passion in participants that extends long after each walk concludes. Throughout the year, chapters plan game days in cafeterias, holiday celebrations, and more to create a supportive environment that makes people feel included regardless of their ability level.

“Best Buddies creates this incredible space for everyone to feel such great love, and it gives high schoolers with disabilities opportunities to spend time with their peers in really great activities that don’t always take place in high schools or otherwise. It’s been beyond incredible to be a part of,” said Avery Kucera, a student volunteer at Cedar Rapids’ Kennedy High School. “Nothing compares to the visible joy from both the buddies and the peer buddies at events. Everyone is always so excited to be there and the energy is beyond uplifting.”

The international organization has more than 45 chapters in Iowa, including a presence in Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Solon, Iowa City, the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Upper Iowa University, Wartburg College and a chapter for adults.

“These walks are designed for just that — to get people out in the community, celebrate friendships and inclusion,” said Rives. “You go to the walk and see the smiles on faces, you’ll see what it’s all designed for. There’s not a curmudgeon in the entire world that could look at that and not feel joy in their hearts.”

Over the last few years, school chapters have done their own smaller walks to keep the spirit of the walk alive. This year, the event returns to bring hundreds together in one place.

“It means the world to us. I like to think of it as one big party,” Rives said. “This is probably our most fun event.”

As the organization, like many nonprofits, continues to recover from pandemic disruptions to volunteer and fundraising efforts, Best Buddies hopes the tangible impact seen at the event will build long-term support.

Operating in 56 countries with 3,000 global chapters, Best Buddies impacts 1.3 million people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization primarily serves people with Down syndrome, autism, fragile X syndrome, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and other undiagnosed disabilities.

As the world’s largest nonprofit devoted to providing friendship, employment and leadership development opportunities for people with IDD, Best Buddies volunteers contribute services valued at more than $330 million annually.

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