LMHS Newsroom

Lower Merion High School senior Ally Altshuler has officially been selected as a candidate in Best Buddies of Philadelphia’s 2023 “Champion of the Year” program – an annual philanthropic competition raising funds and awareness in support of Best Buddies’ mission to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ally, who is currently one of just seven local community leaders to have been named a Champion Candidate, earned the right to participate in this year’s competition based on her proven track record of service and volunteerism with Best Buddies as well as her participation in and support of other important inclusivity initiatives in her school and community. On her fundraising page, Ally shared some words regarding her involvement with Best Buddies over the years and why the work is so important to her.

"I have been involved in Best Buddies since I was in sixth grade - I am currently in 12th grade. I have continuously had a role in the Best Buddies club at my school, whether it was having a peer buddy, becoming an officer, or being co-president of Lower Merion High School's Best Buddies program. I have also participated in Lower Merion Soccer Club Special Needs Program, Philly Friendship Circle, as well as volunteering at my Hebrew School in the special needs classroom and finally being asked to be a role model in the Social Learning Lab classroom at my high school last year. Best Buddies has been and will continue to be a very important part of my life. As a Champion Candidate, I am committed to raising awareness and funds for this life-changing mission. I am so grateful for your support!"

Ally and the other Champion Candidates have already begun the hard work of raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies through their respective grassroots campaigns. The candidate who raises the most money will be namedvBest Buddies of Philadelphia’s "Champion of the Year" at a fun-filled celebratory dinner, which will take place on Thursday, November 16 at the Drexelbrook Special Event Center in Drexel Hill.

Let’s help Ally raise the some money and earn the title of Champion of the Year, all while supporting the important mission of Best Buddies! #LMSDBuildingBelonging

To make a donation to Ally’s campaign, click here!

For information about the event and to buy tickets, click here.