DiMaria: An integral part of the community

There is no expiration date on gratitude, reflection, or optimism. As such, I wanted to take a moment at the beginning of 2025 to express gratitude for the impact Best Buddies has had valley-wide since its beginning in October 2023.
Aside from the impressive list of two Friendship Balls, a Friendship Walk, a wildly successful Champion of the Year Gala; the successful establishment of school chapters in Glenwood Springs, Basalt, and Aspen Middle and High schools; and a Best Buddies Citizen chapter, the Best Buddies vision has been beautifully embraced here in the Roaring Fork Valley. Best Buddies has been an integral part of continuing the purposeful nurturing of a healthy and vibrant community for every person lucky enough to call the Roaring Fork Valley home (especially individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities— IDD).
As we start a new year, let us remember what makes our community one we are all proud and privileged to be a part of — ourselves. Best Buddies can’t bring the vision to reality alone. Thank you for our community partners and generous sponsors such as: The Little Nell, New York Pizza, Zane’s Tavern, Clark’s Market, Aspen Community Foundation, The Arc of the Central Mountains, Cook Inclusive, Windwalkers, Alicia Adams Alpaca, Tristan Trincado, “TBird” Thomas Ferrel, DJ Naka G, Glenwood Recreation, Ascendigo, and many, many more. Our community has shown that it stands up with Best Buddies for the tireless endeavor to make the Roaring Fork Valley home for persons living with IDD and their families.
Keep the Best Buddies Prom (March 8), Friendship Walk (June 1), Champion of the Year Gala (July 3), and Breakaway Camp (Sept. 14-18) on your horizon this year.
Here’s to an inclusive, friendship filled year ahead.
Anjuli DiMaria
Snowmass Village