Best Buddies International

Infobox Non-profit
Non-profit_name = Best Buddies International
Non-profit_
Non-profit_type = Service
founded_date = 1989
founder = Anthony Kennedy Shriver
location =
origins = Georgetown University
area_served = International
focus = To enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities
method = Community service
revenue =
endowment =
num_volunteers =
num_employees =
num_members =
owner =
Non-profit_slogan =
homepage = [http://www.bestbuddies.org/ www.bestbuddies.org]
dissolved =
footnotes =

Best Buddies is a world-wide non-profit organization, which encourages the social integration of persons who have intellectual disabilities. Best Buddies International was created in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver while attending Georgetown University. Since that time the programs has spread into 40 countries. Best Buddies now offers 6 different programs, Best Buddies Colleges, High Schools, Middle Schools, Citizens, E-buddies and Jobs.In the United States there are about 645 high schools that participate in Best Buddies, located across 18 states including: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Best Buddies Challenge

The Best Buddies Challenge is a biannual bicycling event in the United States that raises money for Best Buddies International. The first Best Buddies Challenge, the Hyannis Port Challenge, is generally held in May, in the Boston area. It follows a course from the Kennedy Compound to Cape Cod. A celebration including a clambake and private concert follows for all participants. The second Challenge, The Hearst Castle Challenge takes place along the Pacific Coast Highway from Carmel, California to San Simeon, California in October. The ride start at a winery and follows the famed PCH and finishes at the Hearst Ranch. Riders then enjoy a celebration with a BBQ and private concert.

ource

*This article draws heavily on the in the German-language Wikipedia, accessed April 27, 2007.

External links

* [http://www.bestbuddies.org Best Buddies International]
* [http://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/ Best Buddies Challenge]
* [http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=234482 2008 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port]
* [http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=249917 2008 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle]
* [http://sports.espn.go.com/travel/columns/story?columnist=caple_jim&id=2629491 Jim Caple's (ESPN.com) article on the Hearst Castle Challenge]