Black Rock Middle School Health & Physical Education teacher Jim O’Brien has been selected as a candidate in the 2024 Best Buddies of Philadelphia’s "Champion of the Year" program, an annual philanthropic competition raising funds and awareness in support of Best Buddies’ mission! The organization works to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

O’Brien is one of just seven local community leaders chosen as a Champion Candidate. His selection in this year’s competition is a reflection of his long-standing commitment to service and volunteerism with Best Buddies, as well as his involvement in other inclusivity initiatives within the Black Rock community.

His passion and dedication to the cause of inclusion make O’Brien a shining example of the District's ongoing inclusivity work and the #LMSDBuildingBelonging campaign. O’Brien’s efforts with Best Buddies helps Black Rock foster an inclusive environment where all students feel valued, respected and engaged, ultimately promoting their success and well-being.

On his Champion of the Year fundraising page, O’Brien shared his thoughts on why this cause is so close to his heart.

“I am excited to share with everyone that I am a Champion of the Year Candidate for Best Buddies! I am honored to be nominated and cherish the opportunity to work with so many of our superstars in Lower Merion. Striving to create an environment of inclusion and belonging is what we do, and I have had so much fun over the past 19 years watching this mission grow. I can't thank everyone enough for the support over the years and the support during this campaign. Help me spread the word about the incredible work we do in Lower Merion. As a Champion Candidate, I have committed to raising awareness and funds for this life-changing mission. I am so grateful for your support! 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.”

O’Brien and his fellow Champion Candidates have already begun the hard work of raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies through their grassroots campaigns. The candidate who raises the most money will be named Best Buddies of Philadelphia’s "Champion of the Year" at a celebratory dinner, which will take place on Wednesday, November 20 at the Drexelbrook Special Event Center in Drexel Hill.

Whether you are able to donate or just want to help spread the word, let’s all support Mr. O’Brien on his mission to foster belonging and help him become Best Buddies of Philadelphia’s Champion of the Year! Visit Mr. O’Brien’s Champion of the Year page and make a donation here!

Purchase tickets to the Champions of the Year dinner here!