Best Buddies - Fall 2022

What is Best Buddies?

Best Buddies is an international organization that matches students with individuals in the community who are 18 years or older and have intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in one-to-one friendship.

Best Buddies at Duquesne University

At Duquesne University, our Best Buddies Chapter has 196 total members, including 55 one-to-one friendships and 141 associate members. Our chapter hosts events throughout the year to help these relationships flourish and help promote inclusion on our campus.

Some of the events include: 

• Holiday Party (Halloween Costume Party, Valentine’s Day Ball)
• Talent Show
• Duquesne Sporting Events
• Public Outings- Penguins games, the zoo, and the aviary
• Board Game Days

Our Biggest Event of the Year: The Spread the Word to End the Word Concert!

The Spread the Word to End the Concert is our biggest event of the year. It is a major event held to bring awareness to the hurtful effects of the use of the word “retard(ed)” in our everyday language. The event is held annually and encourages people to pledge to eliminate the derogatory use of the “r-word,” promoting our message of the inclusion of people with IDD to campus. The concert is a space for everyone to gather and have a great time, while also spreading a positive message of inclusion.

Why We Need Your Support

We need donations in order to defray the costs of our events and provide the best opportunities for our buddies! Your donation will help cover the costs of past events, future events, and make our Spread the Word to End the Word Concert a success and provide a memorable experience for all of our buddies.

Your donations will allow us to help pay for:

• T-shirts
• Refreshments
• Snacks
• Decorations
• Games

Not only will the money be used to support our events, but any remaining money will be carried over to help fund our biggest event of the year, Spread the Word to End the Word!

How You Can Help

• Donate Now: Make a gift today, of any amount, to help us reach our goal and support this important program that means so much to so many. Even a donation of $10 will make a tremendous difference!
• Help us Spread the Word:  Another way to make a big impact on our campaign is by helping to spread the word. Please share our link www.spirit.duq.edu/bestbuddies22 via social media, e-mail and text and encourage your friends and family to make a donation.

Thank You!

From all of us students in Duquesne University’s Best Buddies Chapter and on behalf of our buddies, thank you for your consideration and support!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook for regular updates about Best Buddies and to see your donation in action!