It’s Disabilities Awareness month, aka Best Buddies month! And Best Buddies is a non-profit that supports providing the opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in peer-to-peer friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and parent support.

Here in Central Illinois, Best Buddies has friendship Chapters in colleges like Bradley, ISU, Eastern, Augustana, and Blackburn. We also have High School Friendship Chapters in East Peoria, Normal Community, Eureka, Dunlap, Pekin, and more. There are over 50 people with IDD employed or looking for work with the help of Best Buddies. Plus, we have our first Global Ambassador in Central Illinois with many more aspiring to be someday.

Let’s make Best Buddies month awesome! So, here’s how!!!

• Register for the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on April 26th at the Corn Crib in Normal
• Go to Pizza Payaa Uptown Normal and get the Best Buddies Pizza or Cocktail to make a donation all March
• Get the Best Buddies Razz Popcorn at Garlic Press Uptown Normal all March
• Attend the Best Buddies Friendship Walk Kick-Off with the Bloomington Bison March 14th
• Feast and Fundraise by ordering food at Country Club BBQ in Peoria March 15th
• Stop by the Popcorn Shoppe in Peoria to get their Best Buddies Razz Popcorn all March

By attending and supporting these events, you will help make Best Buddies mission possible in Central Illinois to support people with IDD to live great lives in our communities. Happy Best Buddies Month!!!