Tens of thousands of people of all ages in Washington experience barriers to connection, friendship, and opportunity due to intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
On Saturday, May 17, more than 50,000 people are expected to converge on Issaquah to participate in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. The local walk supports Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization that makes the world more welcoming to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Washington and beyond by creating and supporting friendship, job, and other inclusion opportunities.
That support comes in three forms.
Best Buddies Friendships program connects individuals with disabilities one-to-one with those without disabilities. The programs help IDD youth break through social barriers, especially during the heightened social and emotional development of the teen years.
The Best Buddies Jobs program finds employment for people with IDD, helping them gain income and autonomy.
The Best Buddies Leadership Development program educates and empowers people both with and without disability to take leadership roles, advocate for themselves and others, and speak publicly.
Walk details
- Date: May 17, 2025
- Schedule: Check-in is at 10 a.m. woith opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. The walk starts at 11:15 a.m. followed by a celebration until noon.
- Location: Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 SE 54th St, Issaquah.
- Registration: Online registration is required; Need to reach out? EmmaCroston@bestbuddies.org
A way to help after the walk
The event is co-sponsored by the zoo and MOD Pizza. MOD has invited local Best Buddies chapters to host fundraising nights at nearby restaurants, with 30% of sales donated back to the nonprofit.
“It’s a tangible way to keep the momentum going long after the last mile is walked,” says MOD Pizza spokesperson Lauren Westrick.
