Although school just let out, we are already preparing for the start of another exciting school year. We ended the 2009-10 school year with 320 participants- twice as many as we ended a year ago!
That means that twice the number of Buddies were matched in one-to-one friendships; twice the number of friends, co-workers, family members, peers, neighbors and employers have also become more aware of the challenges faced by our Buddies to be at one with our communities; and twice the number of momentous occasions in the lives of our “Buds”- like the phone call I received this year from a Buddy when he was invited over to another students home for the first time.
2010-11 will see even more friendships as the UNM Chapter will grow with an influx of Best Buddies “alumni”; Del Norte and Atrisco Heritage chapters at full capacity and a continued growth at the existing high schools.
These are very exciting times for Best Buddies. Our goal this year is to create better friendships and stronger chapters. And we are starting off in July with the National Leadership Conference.
We follow that up with a State Leadership Conference in August for all the officers of each chapter and our BUILD Training. By September, we are preparing for 400 participants! And we still will have just as many on our waiting list as schools such as Sue Cleveland High School is waiting for us to get funding to open additional chapters.
Best Buddies will not receive any state or federal funding this year. That means all funding has to be locally generated. We are thankful for the United Way of Central New Mexico, BNSF Foundation and Daniels Fund for their support.
The good news is that even with the added number of participants, we have been able to hold the line on expenses. Our cost per participant has been reduced dramatically this year, and we do not charge participants to be a part of Best Buddies. We will continue to work for grants and corporate sponsors, but we need your help. You make up Best Buddies.
Sponsor a Chapter President at $1000 for the year ($83.33 per month)
Sponsor a Buddy Pair at $600 for the year ($50 per month)
Sponsor a Buddy Ambassador at $500 for the year ($41.60 per month)
Sponsor a participant at $300 for the year ($25.00 per month)
You will be giving the most valuable gift of all- the gift of friendship- to the most deserving individual of all- our Buddies and those Buddies on our waiting list. Please consider making a generous gift this year.
In the words of a dear friend- “ If not you, then who? If not now, then when? Our friends have been waiting long enough .” Where else can you see a life changed for just $25 per month!
.jpg)
