In September Capital One Center hosted a three-day Celebration to benefit Best Buddies of Northern Virginia & DC. Over 10,000 guests enjoyed a weekend of local bands and kid-friendly activities -- including superheroes rappelling down The Watermark Hotel onto The Perch! Capital One Center was proud to partner with Best Buddies and spotlight their important mission to create opportunities for integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The following weekend, Capital One Center hosted Best Buddies Capital Region's Annual Leadership Training Day for student leaders -- their first in-person gathering in two years. “It was so thrilling to have 85 Best Buddies student leaders from across Virginia & DC gather, safely and outside, thanks to the generosity of Capital One Center at The Perch" shared Molly Whalen, State Director, Best Buddies Capital Region.

Best Buddies in Virginia & DC was established in 2005 and now serves over 4,700 participants throughout the Capital Region in 86 school friendship chapters; with over 250 adults in our Citizen Friendship Program; and 40 participants in our Jobs Program providing supported employment at 50 local companies and organizations.