Sports fans who offer their support to Best Buddies were able to celebrate a milestone anniversary with probably the greatest football player of all time.
The 25th annual Best Buddies Miami Gala, featuring dinner, a silent auction and a performance by singer and rapper Nelly, took place on Friday at Ice Palace Studios in Miami, Florida.
During the ceremony, legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady received the Spirit Of Leadership Award, which, according to the organization’s website, “is the highest Best Buddies honor given to outstanding individuals who demonstrate great leadership, generosity and commitment in support of the mission.” the organization have proven”. .
Brady, who serves as a global Best Buddies ambassador, began his work with the organization while playing for the New England Patriots and continues now in retirement after playing three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-on-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). ‘
Still got it: Tom Brady, 46, took some time to show off his throwing arm while being honored for his philanthropy at the 25th annual Best Buddies Miami Gala on Friday
The surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, who retired just last season, arrived dressed for success in a classic black suit with a white shirt and black tie.
At certain points, the five-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player took the microphone to address fans and talk about the nonprofit organization’s work
To raise proceeds, a number of Brady jerseys and footballs were auctioned off.
The crowd cheered when Brady decided to show off his arm and throw a perfect spiral to one of the fans.
He is considered by most fans and sports experts to be the best player he ever played. But then the recently retired NFL superstar decided to take things a little more seriously and took off his blazer to make his next pass to someone in the audience.
The auction featured various items including once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, art, exclusive vacations and sporting events.
Grammy winner Nelly (née Cornell Iral Haynes Jr), 49, highlighted the evening’s entertainment with a special performance that included some of his biggest hits.
Other high-profile people who supported us included Carl Lewis, Courtney Six, Caroline Dixon, Juliette Valle and Charlotte McKinney.
Honorees: During the ceremony, Brady received the Spirit Of Leadership Award, “Best Buddies’ highest honor given to outstanding individuals who have demonstrated great leadership, generosity and commitment in support of the organization’s mission.”
Making a Difference: The former NFL superstar has served as a global Best Buddies ambassador for two decades
Helping Change Lives: Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-on-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). ‘
Style: The surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, who just retired last season, wore a classic black suit with a white shirt and black tie for success
Memorabilia: To increase proceeds, a number of Brady jerseys and footballs were part of the auction
Skills still there: The seven-time Super Bowl champion showed off his arm during the auction
In a nutshell: At some point, the recently retired NFL superstar decided to take things a little more seriously and took off his blazer to make his next pass to someone in the audience
During Brady’s more than 20 years with the organization, Best Buddies has helped tens of thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and raised over $100 million for our global programs
Proceeds from the event directly benefit Best Buddies’ mission of creating friendships, jobs, leadership development and inclusive living opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
During its more than 20-year association with the organization, Best Buddies has helped tens of thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and raised over $100 million for our global programs.
In addition to helping the organization financially, Brady’s support strengthens Best Buddies’ brand recognition and advances its mission-based initiatives that create friendships, jobs, leadership development training and inclusive housing for people with disabilities.
During his tenure as a Best Buddies Global Ambassador, he has hosted and attended events from Boston and Cape Cod to Qatar.
From Sea to Shining Sea: During his tenure as Best Buddies Global Ambassador, he has hosted and attended events from Boston and Cape Cod to Qatar
Where it goes: Proceeds from the event directly benefit Best Buddies’ mission of creating friendships, jobs, leadership development and inclusive living opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Fashion forward: The five-time Super Bowl MVP looked dapper in a black suit with a white shirt, black tie and matching dress shoes
Practical: Brady has dedicated much of his time to the people directly impacted by the nonprofit
Legends: Brady chatted with Olympic legend Carl Lewis during the event
Single Man: The Best Buddies Global Ambassador chats with Miss Florida Juliette Valle
Over the years he has written letters, made phone calls and continues to do all he can to assist Best Buddies in its development efforts by connecting the organization with its sponsors and supporters.
During his playing days, he even hosted special guests at his football games and provided memorabilia at various events such as the 25th Anniversary Gala.
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.
The programs used by the organization strengthen the unique abilities of people with IDD by helping them develop meaningful friendships with peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society feel.
Bangin’ the beats: Grammy winner Nelly (née Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.), 49, punctuated the evening’s entertainment with a special performance
Beaming: The Hot in Herre star was all smiles as he appeared on stage at the event
Fashion Sense: The Texas native showed off his fashion sense in a pair of black leather pants with a matching t-shirt and white sneakers
Group Pose: The Best Buddies team snuggled up for a group photo
An eye-catcher: Charlotte McKinney, 30, showed off her great figure in a black dress with a deep neckline
Breakthrough; The actress and model rose to prominence when she was the featured model in Carl’s Jr.’s All Natural Burger, which aired during Super Bowl XLIX in 2015
Man in Black: Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, 62, showed his support for Best Buddies in a black suit and sneakers
Golden Girls: Courtney Six rocked a sparkly sequin jumpsuit with heels
Chic: Caroline Dixon, Miss Florida USA 2023, and Juliette Valle, Miss Florida, both wore silver sequin numbers
Iconic: The late Keith Haring, one of the most well-known contemporary artists, had a family member with special needs and subsequently created and donated the Best Buddies logo
Best Buddies is considered the world’s largest organization working to end the social, physical and economic isolation of 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The late Keith Haring, one of the most well-known contemporary artists, had a family member with special needs, which is why he created and donated the Best Buddies logo in the late 1980s.
This explains why Haring’s unique artistry can be seen throughout the backdrops of Best Buddy events.
The organization claims that the logo “includes a colorful creation that represents personal affection and acceptance.”