Best Buddies to host Boots and Buddies Friendship Ball

Let us have this dance.

Best Buddies Roaring Fork Valley is hosting Boots and Buddies Friendship Ball from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday at The Arts Campus at Willits, 400 Robinson St., Basalt. It is a celebration of community and inclusion for folks ages 10 and up with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to a news release.

Disability advocates and community stakeholders are encouraged to register and join the movement of inclusion.

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“As someone living with a disability, I’m excited to perform in front of my peers and community. Best Buddies is an organization that celebrates all abilities, and I’m proud to be part of it,” Basalt High School senior Tristan Trincado, who has a traumatic brain injury (TBI), explained in the release. “My family has known Anthony Shriver, the founder of Best Buddies, for years. It’s awesome he’s brought the program here.”

Trincado has recently been added to the Gibson Artists Program. Artists who inspire his music include Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers. He jammed at the Belly Up on his 18^th birthday and can be found on Spotify and Apple Music. 

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The Friendship Ball includes:

1. Line dancing instruction by Dakota Severe with support from Dance Aspen performers Paulo Sovari, Sammy Altenau, Meredith Harrill, and Laurel Winton.
2. DJ Cisco Amboy from local entertainment group Swaytone will spin live music.
3. Okim 360 Photobooth snapping pics all night long.
4. Snacks from local partners, including The Little Nell, Clark’s Market, Zane’s Tavern, and New York Pizza.
5. Crafts and a quiet room for sensory needs.

Attendees from Rifle to Aspen have registered for the dance. Best Buddies has recently opened a chapter in Glenwood Middle School and Glenwood High School.

“We’ve heard from students in our community that homecoming festivities can feel lonely and isolating. The prom we threw in March was such a success that we decided to host a fall dance to foster social inclusion for people with disabilities in our valley,” Best Buddies Board member Grayson Rutherford said in the release. “I’m honored to be event chair for the Boots and Buddies Ball on Nov. 9. Our goal is to provide a fun, inclusive space where all are welcome and can have a great time.”

About Best Buddies

Best Buddies is dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).