SOON
CHAMPION OF THE YEAR -
CANDIDATE AND MISSION PARTNER TEAM
MAISIE ADAMS
Champion of the Year Candidate 2024
Hi, I am Maisie Adams, Champion Candidate for Best Buddies. Please consider supporting Mikayla and myself as we raise funds and awareness for our campaign for Best Buddies. Best Buddies International is a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With your support, Best Buddies will help more people form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society. As a Champion Candidate, I have committed to raising awareness and funds for this life-changing mission.We are so grateful for your support!
MIKAYLA HOLMGREN
Champion of the Year Mission Partner 2024
Featuring
Addison Carver
Miss Teen USA 2024
When Addie Carver was 13, she lost her father, but dance saved her life. Today, Addie is the founder of Dance to Empower, a national organization focused on Dance Appreciation, Education, and Awareness. Addie is living proof that your heartbreaking circumstances do not have to define your future success, and she's made it her mission to inspire all ages to find joy in things much bigger than themselves to help them get through every hardship. Addie is also a dance teacher and choreographer, Beta Club President, UCA All-American Cheerleader, and the founder & CEO of her own social media company. ​
Reigning Miss Stillwater USA 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
Guest Appearance
Matthew VonDerAhe
Actor
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