Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Minnesota
May 20, 2023
9:00 AM | Maple Grove, MN
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The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as IDD).
Join 40,000 walkers across the country to support the Best Buddies programs in your schools, workplaces and communities. You’ll be making the world more welcoming to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – one friendship, one job, and one life-changing connection at a time.
Come experience the magic of the Best Buddies mission at our Friendship Walk on May 20th! The Friendship Walk is a 1-mile, paved walking route that starts near the pavilion at Weaver Lake Community Park. We’ll kick the day off with Opening Ceremonies that include a warm-up from InControl MN, awards for Top Walkers and Teams, and some special guests, including Vikings Cheerleaders and Miss Minnesota USA.
After the walk, stay and enjoy our Party in the Park with music, dancing, yard games, a Vendor Expo, Pound sessions by Allyson Ashley, face painting, giveaways, Hula Hoop contests and more! Water, snacks, and a light lunch will be provided for every registered walker.
Important Event Information:
- Registration: All event attendees MUST register. If you are not registered prior to attending the event, please visit the registration tent once you arrive.
- Parking: Enter the park from Dunkirk Ln N and park in the large parking lot next to the park pavilion.
- T-Shirt Pick-Up: If you raise $50 or more, you can pick up your t-shirt at the T-Shirt Pick-Up tent.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed at Weaver Lake Park but must be leashed and owners must pick up after their dog.
Interested in volunteering at the Friendship Walk? Sign up here!
Thank You!
Thank you for participating in this year’s Friendship Walk! Because of your amazing efforts, we were able to raise vital funds and awareness to sustain and expand our local Best Buddies programs. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event. With your support, our mission of friendship and inclusion is stronger than ever!
Schedule
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Check-in: 9:00 AM
Opening Ceremonies: 10:15 AM
Walk: 10:30 AM
Celebrate Until: 1:00 PM
Location
Weaver Lake Park
8401 Dunkirk Ln N
Maple Grove, MN 55311
Event Contact
Mission Movers – Top Fundraisers
Going the extra mile for Best Buddies.
Supporting Local Programs
Funds raised through the Friendship Walk benefits Best Buddies – the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down Syndrome, Autism, Fragile X, Williams Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.
We Love Our Sponsors!
For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact:
Best Buddies in Minnesota 5600 W 36th St, Box #16361, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Friendship Walk T-shirt available for purchase?
The official Best Buddies Friendship Walk T-shirt is a badge of honor, so to speak, and is only given in recognition to walkers that raise $50 or more. (And how awesome would that be if EVERY registered walker earned one? Let’s make that happen!)
I made a $50 donation to my child’s fundraising page – will I get a T-shirt?
Thank you! Your donation will count towards your child’s fundraising total so he/she will be the one who earns the T-shirt. (But maybe your generosity will earn you Parent-of-the-Year!)
Do you accept cash or check donations?
You bet we do! Simply bring it with you to the walk, or visit your local Best Buddies office. Either way, you’re awesome for asking 🙂
Can I volunteer at the event?
Absolutely! Volunteers are needed to assist with event planning, day-of support, and more. If you are interested in volunteering, visit the link below to receive more info regarding volunteer opportunities.
Sign up to volunteer at www.bestbuddies.org/volunteer/.
Sign up to volunteer at www.bestbuddies.org/volunteer/.
What is your data privacy policy?
Best Buddies does not sell, share, or rent personal information collected through our website’s registration or donation forms. For more information, visit bestbuddies.org/privacy-policy.