Best Buddies Friendship Walk Celebrates Inclusion in Rochester

Annual event brings together community to support programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:20pm

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Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to ending social isolation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is hosting its annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Saturday, April 25th at Total Sports Experience in Gates, Rochester. The event will feature activities, sponsor booths, and opportunities for participants to connect with Best Buddies program members, all in support of the organization's mission to create one-to-one friendships, employment, leadership development, and independent living for individuals with IDD.

Why it matters

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is a signature fundraising and awareness event for the organization, helping to support critical programs that foster inclusion and belonging for the IDD community in the Rochester region. The walk brings together families, students, corporate teams, and other community members to celebrate friendship and champion a more inclusive world.

The details

This year's Best Buddies Friendship Walk will include entertainment from Bach to Rock, family activities, sponsor activations, and recognition moments. Participants are encouraged to register, form teams, and fundraise in advance to directly support Best Buddies programs in Western New York.

  • The Best Buddies Friendship Walk will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
  • Registration and fundraising for the event is open now.

The players

Best Buddies International

A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Shannon Salluzzo

A Best Buddies participant and Nazareth University Life Prep student who got involved to ensure everyone feels included and part of the community.

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What they’re saying

“I got involved in Best Buddies because everyone should feel included. Everyone should feel like part of the community because everyone matters.”

— Shannon Salluzzo, Best Buddies Participant & Nazareth University Life Prep Student

What’s next

Individuals and teams can register and begin fundraising for the Best Buddies Friendship Walk now through the event date on April 25, 2026.

The takeaway

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is a powerful demonstration of the Rochester community's commitment to inclusion and supporting programs that empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build meaningful connections, find employment, develop leadership skills, and live independently.