October 17, 2024
JX Event Center | Stillwater, MN
Miss Stillwater USA 2023
and the first woman with
Down Syndrome to run in a
state Miss USA pageant
Featuring
Mikayla Holmgren
International Spotlights
People Magazine
NewsWeek
Entertainment Tonight
CBS News
Fox News
Good Day New York
Today Show
BBC
Australia News 10
The Jason Show
Best Buddies
Global Ambassador
Minnesota State Ambassador
Champion of the Year 2021
Champion of the Year Mission Partner
2022, 2023, 2024
Special Guest Appearance
Matthew Von Der Ahe
Matthew Von Der Ahe is an American actor celebrated for his standout role in the movie Champions. His versatile talent has landed him roles in popular TV shows like Code Black, Weeds, and Yo Gabba Gabba. Additionally, he brings characters to life, voicing ‘Jasper’ in Disney’s Team Chocolate and ‘Benny’ in Netflix’s Familia. Beyond his acting career, Matthew is a dynamic member of SUPA, a performing dance troupe and he plays the drums for SPEC band, showcasing his diverse talents.
In his spare time, Matthew channels his creativity into the artwork he designs for his card company, Doing My pART, donating a portion of his proceeds to charitable organizations that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Matthew is a committed state ambassador for Best Buddies international and uses his platform to spread awareness about the importance of inclusion.
Best Buddies
Global Ambassador
CHAMPION OF THE YEAR -
CANDIDATE AND MISSION PARTNER TEAM
MIKAYLA HOLMGREN
Champion of the Year Mission Partner 2024
Dreaming Big Without Limits Fashion Show is the inspiration of Mikayla Holmgren, a beautiful 28-year-old woman with Down syndrome. Considered ‘fragile’ at birth, Mikayla has matured to become anything but fragile, breaking barriers all across the nation to become a dance choreographer, fashion model, keynote speaker, Global Ambassador, Special Olympian, reigning Miss Stillwater USA, and the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in a Miss USA pageant. As a past Best Buddies Minnesota Champion of the Year, Mikayla has now become Mission Partners with friend and candidate, Jill Hershey, who is vying for this year’s 2023 Champion of the Year title. Excited for the opportunity to work alongside Jill, and with her energetic determination and self-proclaimed “having a little Down syndrome on the side” attitude, Mikayla is asking you for your support to help Team Jill & Mikayla achieve their Best Buddies Minnesota goal. Best Buddies Minnesota (BBMN), a chapter of Best Buddies International, is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing one-on-one friendships. Representatives, like Mikayla, work tirelessly to raise money and awareness for BBMN, which mentors people with and without IDD to enter the workforce, receive strong educations, gain self-confidence, and help them integrate into society to live independent and purposeful lives. Dreaming Big Without Limits (DBWL) Fashion Show is Mikayla’s personal initiative to bring supportive funds to Best Buddies Minnesota while enhancing the beauty, style and grace of the St. Croix Valley. During this fun and inspiring Fashion Show, past and present Miss Minnesota USA titleholders, and state and local pageant royalty are paired with representatives of BBMN to walk the runway! in exciting fall fashions from local Valley boutiques and designers. Fashion, food and fun are all a part of this extraordinary event and are only surpassed by the smiles, happy tears and laughter of a truly unique and memorable evening. There are several sponsorship levels from which you and your business may participate in this year’s Dreaming Big Without Limits Fashion Show. Some levels include exclusive promotional opportunities at the Minnesota state Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala held in November. Many levels include VIP tickets for a DBWL Fashion Show pre-show Meet & Greet. All sponsorship levels include tickets to the DBWL Fashion Show. No matter the level you choose, you matter to Team Jill & Mikayla, and to the many families and friends of Best Buddies Minnesota. Please refer any questions to Sandi Holmgren at sandi.holmgren@me.com We appreciate your support of Best Buddies Minnesota and look forward to meeting you at the Dreaming Big Without Limits Fashion Show.