Park West Foundation Breaks Records at Best Buddies Fundraiser
“I Love This Land” (2014) Romero Britto
Achieving goals can be fun and rewarding, but none may be more worthwhile than breaking fundraising records.
The Park West Foundation participated in the record-breaking 7th Annual South Florida Friendship Walk and Family Festival on March 11 in Miami, where donors raised $500,000 to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This is the largest amount raised through a walk event in Best Buddies’ 27-year history. The previous record was $400,000, set in 2016. The walks play a critical role in funding Best Buddies programs, which are dedicated to leadership development, job opportunities and one-to-one friendships for individuals with disabilities.
Park West has been directly involved with Best Buddies for two years. John Karay, vice president of operations in Miami, says Park West Gallery employs two Job Participants with Best Buddies at its Miami facility.
“Best Buddies International is a top-tier organization that is so impressive in their structure and support to all the Job Participants,” Karay says. “The work they put into each Buddy is amazing and life transforming for them and their families.”
From left: vice President of Operations in Miami John Karay, Best Buddies Jobs Program Supervisor Ray Bell, and Best Buddies Job Participant Latrell Moton.
In addition to financial support, Park West staff took part in the 2017 walk. Participants included Karay and his wife Ann, Melba and Joshua Tavares, and Latrell Moton. Moton is a Best Buddies participant.
Park West Gallery began working with Best Buddies alongside renowned Neo-Pop artist Romero Britto. The artist serves on the board of directors for Best Buddies and uses his talents to raise funds and awareness for the organization.
Last year, the Park West Foundation donated $50,000 to Best Buddies International as part of its mission to support youth locally and around the world.
“Good will and kindness are contagious,” Britto said. “It’s wonderful to see the Park West Foundation giving generously to Best Buddies, an important organization that I have held dear to my heart for many years.”
Visit the Park West Foundation and Best Buddies International websites for more information. Be sure to check out Park West Gallery’s exclusive Romero Britto artwork.
