Supporters dressed as superheroes greet guests during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park. Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
The local chapter of Best Buddies International hosted its second annual Friendship Walk on Sunday at Basalt River Park. With around 300 people taking part, a record $65,000 was raised to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special guests included DJ Naka G on the turntable, Chef Matt Zubrod of Viceroy Snowmass serving food, former pro hockey player and Stanley Cup champion Mike Zigomanis, the Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club, and DanceAspen’s Laurel Winton leading warm-ups. Even Batman made an appearance.
The top individual fundraiser was Tonya Monte, while Lori Guilander of the Guilander Team was the top corporate team. The top school team was Aspen Country Day School, led by Harry Thorne, and the top community team was Christopher Andrews Walk Team (Aspen High School).
Proceeds from the Friendship Walk “support state programs that provide one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living.” For more, visit bestbuddies.org.
With DJ Naka G behind the turntable, Laurel Winton of DanceAspen leads the warm up prior to the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
Batman throws a guest over his shoulders in play during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
A young girl gets her face painted during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
The Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club hosts a game of touch during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
Annie Henninger, the executive director of The Art Base, plays with children during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
Michelle Stiller, right, Best Buddies’ area director for the Roaring Fork Valley, takes a photo of two guests during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
DJ Naka G, right, chats with former pro hockey player Michael Zigomanis during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
Michelle Stiller, right, Best Buddies’ area director for the Roaring Fork Valley, hands out raffle prizes after the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
Cliff Kindred with the Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club strikes a pose during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
Kids cross the bridge over the Roaring Fork River while taking part in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
Supporters dressed as superheroes greet guests during the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Basalt River Park.Austin Colbert/Courtesy photo
