Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Virginia & D.C.
April 29, 2023
8:30 AM | National Mall
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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!
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.
Dollars raised through the Friendship Walk help move our mission forward by funding local Best Buddies programs throughout Virginia and Washington DC. Every dollar raised makes our community a more inclusive, accepting place.
Join the expected 2000 walkers from Virginia & DC schools, workplaces, and community organizations who are making the world more welcoming to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: one friendship, one job, and one life-changing connection at a time.
For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact: MarySchafhauser@bestbuddies.org.
Important Day-of-Event details
This year’s walk will be on the National Mall at 7th Street. Once you get to the mall, our event set up will be near the Carousel on the National Mall and the Smithsonian Castle. You can’t miss us! View Site Map >>
Getting there:
Public Transportation: Smithsonian (Silver, Blue, Orange) – will take you directly onto the National Mall, head towards the Smithsonian Castle
Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green) – about a 10 minute walk to the mall L’Enfant (Green) – about a 7 minute walk to the mall.
Parking Recommendations:
Ronald Regan Building & International Trade Center – Visit website >>
Park & Ride – Visit website >>
Schedule
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Check-in: 8:30 AM
Opening Ceremonies: 9:00 AM
Walk: 10:00 AM
Dance Party: 11:00 AM
Celebrate Until: 12:30 PM
Location
National Mall, Washington D.C.
7th and Madison Dr.
View Site Map >>
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:
MarySchafhauser@bestbuddies.org
Best Buddies in Virginia & D.C. 7956L Tysons Corner Center, Tysons, VA 22102
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.