Best Buddies International Honors Student from Marple Newtown

Marple Newtown High School Student Recognized for Best Buddies Involvement

A student from Marple Newtown High School, Emily Kwon, has been commended for her contribution towards bettering the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as part of Best Buddies International. Best Buddies is a dedicated nonprofit group that promotes one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership opportunities for the IDD community.

Inclusive Efforts of Emily Kwon

Emily Kwon has demonstrated her commitment by supporting Best Buddies since her 8th grade and currently holds the position of co-president of her school’s Best Buddies chapter and serves on the Student Advisory Board. She joined Best Buddies, drawn by its mission of fostering inclusion and understanding, especially important to her due to her family members in South Korea who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities and face daily challenges.

“Best Buddies gave me the chance to make a real difference in my cousins’ lives, and also broadened my understanding of inclusion,” says Kwon. “Ultimately, I hope to reach and impact the lives of people with IDD worldwide.”

Champion of the Year Gala 2023

The tireless efforts and dedication of Kwon and Ally Altshuler, of Lower Merion High School, will be recognized and celebrated at the Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala in Philadelphia. The event, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Drexelbrook in Drexel Hill, is an annual fundraising competition that promotes the Best Buddies mission and advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Celebrating Philanthropic Leaders and Raising Funds

The gala will honor the significant contributions of seven philanthropic leaders from the Philadelphia area. Attendees can look forward to a silent and live auction, dinner, cocktails, dancing, a keynote address, and a special awards ceremony, all dedicated to raising funds for Best Buddies programs.

Tickets for the 2023 Champion of the Year Gala are available, offering attendees the chance to support Best Buddies’ mission to create more opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and inclusive living for individuals with IDD in the Philadelphia region.

Get Your Tickets and Support Best Buddies

You can find more information and purchase tickets online here. This year’s event sponsors include Spread Bagelry, Wegmans, Fairman Group Family Office, JP Mascaro and Sons, Trulieve, Tito’s Vodka, and the K10 Kids Foundation.