Best Buddies Friendship Walk supports inclusion, raises awareness
FRANKLIN, Wis. - The 12th annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Franklin supported inclusion of community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities Saturday, May 20.
Walking for a cause and raising awareness one step at a time, those who participated created special bonds that will last a lifetime.
"She's a lifesaver, and like a sister to me," said Kelly Johnson with the Best Buddies citizens program.
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Johnson and Eleanor Saffian walked with more than 1,000 supporters Saturday.
"There are opportunities for anyone of any age to be involved," Saffian said.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Franklin
After moving to Milwaukee last year, Saffian joined Best Buddies in an effort to make friends.
"I didn't know anyone. I was paired with Kelly. So now I have a best friend and a best buddy," she said.
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"It's not just about serving the IDD community, but it's about introducing everyone else to this wonderful group of people that they might not have exposure to otherwise," said FOX6's Nikola Junewicz, a Best Buddies board advisor.
All the money raised during the one-mile walk will go toward Best Buddies Wisconsin.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Franklin
"It takes manpower and money to do those things, so that's why the fundraising is so important," said Emily Schneider, Best Buddies board advisor.
"Come out get to know us and see if it's somewhere where you feel included," Saffian said.
Best Buddies Wisconsin said its next fundraiser is a gold outing in Sussex on June 12.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk on FOX6 WakeUp
More information about Best Buddies Wisconsin is available on the organization's website.