Best Buddies International, a groundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish 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 (IDD), is excited to announce the Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Golden Gate Park. Since 2009 more than 250,000 participants have walked in over 60 cities and raised more than $24 million for Best Buddies. 

“Our Friendship Walks are one of Best Buddies’ most celebrated events, bringing communities together where they can experience our mission in action and engage with our program participants,” said Anthony K. Shriver, founder, chairman and CEO of Best Buddies International. “I am beyond grateful that the important work of this organization will continue, thanks to our participants, volunteers, partners and the entire community. I am confident that together we will continue empowering people with special abilities, connecting advocates and mobilizing our supporters to create a more inclusive world.” 

Seven-Time Emmy Award winner and KTVU Fox 2 Meteorologist Roberta Gonzales will emcee the event. 

Best Buddies in San Francisco is proud to have 140 (and counting) participants lacing up their shoes to walk for inclusion, all working to surpass 2024’s fundraising goal of $135,000. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the Walk commences at 9 a.m. at Golden Gate Park. Following the Walk, please join Best Buddies for a day of fun, family, wellness, and friendship. 

Proceeds from the Friendship Walk are fundamental in supporting state programs that provide one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living. These programs can be found in all 50 states and will create promising opportunities for more than 350,000 people this year. 

Walk for inclusion. Walk for friendship. Walk for a better San Francisco.
This year’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk in San Francisco sponsors and corporate partners include Waymo. 

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL: 

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. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 2,900 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ nine formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters and Inclusive Living— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 56 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly 700,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org, www.facebook.com/bestbuddies or www.twitter.com/bestbuddies.