Best Buddies Southwest Florida is proud to announce that it has exceeded its fundraising goal by 15% at the 2021 Champion of the Year Gala event with $103,000 raised.

Prior to the event on October 22nd, thirteen Southwest Florida “champions” worked hard to raise awareness, money, and create opportunities for Best Buddies Southwest Florida, an organization that assists children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Laura Georgelos of Laura Georgelos Luxury Homes was the top fundraiser for 2021 and therefore given the title of 2021 Grand Champion of the Year.

According to Southwest Florida Hospital News, Melanie Musick, Area Director for Best Buddies Southwest Florida, stated “We are so proud of Laura and all of our champions, who worked diligently to help us achieve our goal for the 2021 Champion of the Year event.  Their collective efforts will make a tremendous impact on the lives of those with intellectual and developmental abilities. The Southwest Florida community has wholeheartedly embraced the Best Buddies mission of inclusion, and we so appreciate the continued support from community leaders, business owners, residents, and the families we serve.”

Participating champions for the 2021 event include, “Matthew Boggan, Design MNB Web Design Studio; Edye Button, Cash Flow Strategies Business Coaching; Cody Eads, Florida Division of Vocational Rehab; Haley Marra, FGCU student; Kevin Montoya, Vera Bradley at Miromar Outlets; Laura Morrina, Embassy Creek Elementary School; Alexis Poore, Publix; Sheena Reagan, Zimco Entertainment; Char Seuffert, Brightway Insurance, The Seuffert Agency; Mary Shea, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Lenny Cannova and Kristine Skaarsgard, Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial; and Dre White, I Want That Yummy.”

Event sponsors included: City Furniture, Conditioned Air, Cross Country Mortgage – the Wesson Group, Germain Lexus of Naples, Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, Moore Lending Group, PDQ, and TruPixel.

According to Best Buddies’ website, “Best Buddies® is 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, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”