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Second annual ECHS Buddy Ball held at Moncrief Square
Buddy Ball Dancers
Students from Effingham County and South Effingham high schools danced and mingled at the Buddy Ball on May 6 (submitted photo.)

Special to the Herald

Effingham County High School held its second Annual Buddy Ball celebrating inclusion and friendship in the community May 6 at Moncrief Square in Springfield.

Students and their Buddies from South Effingham High School were also invited to the event.

Guests arrived in style by limousine courtesy of Woodmen Life Chapter 1770 and Premier Limo and immediately hit the dance floor. Dinner was catered by Simply Southern along with desserts and ice cream by Chef Julie Montgomery and Starship Ice Cream.

Students danced to music by DJ Paul Havlin with Tunes in a Bucket from Springfield. ECHS Best Buddies President, Ella Allen reminded the attendees about the importance of establishing lifelong friendships through the Best Buddies organization. Each student was named prince or princess and was escorted down the red carpet to receive a crown.

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The fundamentals of Best Buddies celebrates friendship, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living. ECHS Best Buddies focuses on the friendship component by creating and fostering lifelong relationships between students who are differently abled and their typical peers. Buddy Ball is an event that creates an atmosphere reminding each student that they are valued, appreciated, and loved for who they are!

Moncrief Square hosted the event for the second year in a row. The other vendors that made the night possible by donating their time and energy were: Sperry Tents who provided the tent, dance floor, and vintage furniture; Railyard Media and Madison Lee Photography; Stephanie Long who provided centerpieces and decor; and Edwards Events who donated seating for our guests. Donors and sponsors included: Bank of Newington, Waste Doctors, Harco Construction, and Gussie A. Nease & Associates.

For more information about the Best Buddies organization, visit the website at www.bestbuddies.org or contact Wendy Fears at wendyhfears@gmail.com.