Hundreds Walk for Friendship at loanDepot Park

5th annual Ed Ansin Best Buddies Friendship Walk raises over $300,000 for inclusion efforts.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:33pm

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Hundreds of people gathered at Miami's loanDepot Park for the fifth annual Ed Ansin Best Buddies Friendship Walk, a fundraising event that supports Best Buddies International's mission of creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event was attended by local leaders, 7News anchors, and Best Buddies members, who shared their personal stories and the positive impact the organization has had on their lives.

Why it matters

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is an important annual event that brings the community together to celebrate inclusion and raise funds for an organization that provides educational, employment, and social opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It showcases Miami's commitment to being a place where everyone feels welcomed and has access to the same opportunities.

The details

The 5th annual Ed Ansin Best Buddies Friendship Walk took place at loanDepot Park in Miami. The event featured speeches from Best Buddies members, local leaders, and the CEO of Sunbeam Television, the parent company of 7News. Participants walked around the baseball stadium to show their support for the organization's mission. This year's walk raised over $300,000 for Best Buddies International.

  • The 5th annual Ed Ansin Best Buddies Friendship Walk was held on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Best Buddies member Joshua Felder has been involved with the organization for 17 years, since he was 11 years old.

The players

Craig Stevens

7News anchor who welcomed attendees to the event.

Andrew Ansin

CEO of Sunbeam Television, the parent company of 7News, who expressed the company's continued support for Best Buddies.

Joshua Felder

A Best Buddies member who shared how the organization has helped him develop his talents and become a global ambassador.

Eileen Higgins

The Mayor of Miami, who spoke about the importance of inclusion and access to opportunity for all residents and visitors.

Anthony Shriver

The founder of Best Buddies International, who expressed his passion for the organization's work.

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What they’re saying

“It's a great morning, it's a beautiful opportunity to view this spectacular ballpark.”

— Craig Stevens, 7News anchor

“Our family is pleased to continue supporting Best Buddies. It's a great organization that continues to help students and adults with [Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities] by creating educational opportunities, friendships, and lifelong possibilities.”

— Andrew Ansin, CEO of Sunbeam Television

“I started Best Buddies when I was 11 years old, I am now 29. And the whole 17 years being involved with this non-profit has definitely helped me break out of my shell, has helped me develop my hidden talents, and now I am a global ambassador for myself, advocating for others, with or without intellectual or developmental disabilities.”

— Joshua Felder, Best Buddies member

“Miami is a place for everyone. Every single person that lives here or visits here needs to feel included, not just in daily life, but in the access to opportunity. And that is what this event symbolizes. We come together in friendship, love, support and action for people of all different abilities.”

— Eileen Higgins, Mayor of Miami

“It gives me so much energy. every day I wake up fired up, ready to go, full of passion. And then when I connect with the buddies at events like this, it reminds me there's no better job than Best Buddies.”

— Anthony Shriver, Founder of Best Buddies International

What’s next

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk will continue to be an annual event, bringing the Miami community together to support inclusion and create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The takeaway

The 5th annual Ed Ansin Best Buddies Friendship Walk demonstrates Miami's commitment to being a city that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, and provides access to opportunities for all residents and visitors, regardless of their abilities. The event's success and continued growth highlight the positive impact that organizations like Best Buddies can have on individuals and communities.