Inaugural Buddy Paddle
Rent a paddleboard – $25, or bring your own – $10. A portion of the proceeds go directly to Best Buddies of Florida.
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Winter Park resident Jon Lowe is organizing the Buddy Paddle, on March 5th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Paddleboard Orlando located at 115 N. Orlando Ave., to help raise awareness and funds to establish a local Best Buddies Chapter at Winter Park High School.
Jon states, “As the father of two special needs boys, nothing makes me smile more than when they are invited to a party, or a dance, or a call from a friend. Just being included can be a real life changer for them.”
Those infrequent invitations changed virtually overnight for his 22-year-old son Oliver when he became involved with the Best Buddies organization.
“I can recall seeing Oliver just sitting at home, alone, watching TV or playing on his iPad, while his typical friends and sisters had busy social lives. It can be heartbreaking as a parent when you want so much more for all of your children!”
“The Best Buddies organization has changed Oliver’s life in such a positive way! He now has so many friends, and invitations to go places and do things, I can hardly keep up.
“Because of the way the Best Buddies has transformed my son’s life, I want to help spread the word about the good work they are doing, and I need your support!”
Sutherlin Nissan is the lead sponsor, and the event is being supported by Paddleboard Orlando, The Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, and Best Buddies of Florida.
If you, or your company would like to JUMP ON BOARD for this event that also includes paddle board instruction, silent auction, and more please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/929196937158143/, or email Jon at [email protected].
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