Best Buddies

The first Best Buddies chapter was founded

Jan 1, 1987

Anthony Kennedy Shriver founded the first Best Buddies chapter at Georgetown University in Washington DC.
Georgetown University's website: https://www.georgetown.edu/

Best Buddies

Period: Jan 1, 1987 to May 19, 2017

Best Buddies was founded in 1987, and is now a thriving organization.

Keith Haring donates the iconic logo

Jan 1, 1988

Famous contemporary artist Keith Haring created and donated the iconic Best Buddies logo. Keith has a family member with special needs, and after seeing the power that a good friend had on his family member, he reached out and asked if he could donate the logo.
For more information, visit: https://bestbuddies.org/history-best-buddies-keith-haring-logo/

Best Buddies is incorporated as a nonprofit organization

Jan 19, 1989

Best Buddies became America's first national, unified, social, and recreational program for people with intellectual disabilities as a nonprofit organization on January 19, 1989.

Best Buddies citizens is launched

Jan 1, 1993

The program Best Buddies citizens is launched to pair adults with intellectual disabilities with their non-disabled peers.
For more information on becoming a Best Buddies citizen, visit: https://www.bestbuddiesonline.org/Citizens/CitizensMemberApplication.aspx

Best Buddies High School chapters begin

Jan 1, 1995

Best Buddies expands into the high school community. The goal was to create one-on-one friendships among high school volunteers.
For more information on Best Buddies school chapters, visit: https://bestbuddies.org/blog/faq/what-are-best-buddies-school-friendship-chapters/

Best Buddies Middle School chapters begin

Jan 1, 1996

Best Buddies middle school programs were launched in the hopes that inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities will have a lasting effect on the societal norms of the next generation.
For more information on Best Buddies school chapters, visit: https://bestbuddies.org/blog/faq/what-are-best-buddies-school-friendship-chapters/

e-Buddies is launched

Jan 1, 1999

e-Buddies is launched to create email friendships, much like a pen pal.
For more information on e-Buddies, visit: http://www.ebuddies.org/

Best Buddies has chapters in all 50 states

Jan 1, 2003

Best Buddies has a chapter in each of the 50 states.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act is passed

May 19, 2010

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act is passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, authorizing federal funds for Best Buddies. Eunice Kennedy Shriver is the founder of the Special Olympics, mother of Best Buddies founder and Chairman Anthony K. Shriver, and advocate for those with disabilities.

Best Buddies launches the "I'm In to Hire" campaign

Jan 1, 2014

Best Buddies launches the "I'm In to Hire" campaign to promote the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
For more information on the "I'm In to Hire" campaign, visit: https://bestbuddies.org/imintohire/