WEST CHESTER, PA — Henderson High School senior Brian Dolan is competing against four other eastern Pennsylvania nominees in Best Buddies’ 2026 Champion of the Year fundraising campaign, seeking donations and sponsorships to support programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities ahead of a Nov. 19 gala in Newtown Square.
Dolan, president of Henderson’s Best Buddies chapter and a member of the organization’s Pennsylvania Student Advisory Board, is soliciting contributions from local businesses, residents, friends and family members.
The campaign concludes at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve, where the nominee who raises the most money will receive the Champion of the Year designation.
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization that promotes inclusion through one-on-one friendships, employment opportunities, leadership development, inclusive living and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The annual fundraising competition supports those programs while encouraging participants to expand awareness of the organization’s work.
Dolan’s involvement extends beyond his high school chapter. He attended the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference in Indiana this summer, an experience that reinforced his commitment to the organization.
“To me, Best Buddies is more than an organization,” Dolan explained. “It is a worldwide community of amazing people – a community that consists of my best friends.”
As part of his campaign, Dolan is seeking corporate sponsorships, donated auction items and individual contributions. Supporters can also purchase tickets to the Nov. 19 fundraising gala.
Dolan is one of five nominees competing across eastern Pennsylvania, with the final recognition determined by fundraising totals.
Donations, sponsorship opportunities and gala tickets are available through the Best Buddies Champion of the Year campaign at www.bestbuddieschampion.org/philadelphia/.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.