USCB Student Francie Gaskin raises $10,000 for Best Buddies
USCB student Francie Gaskin was named a Best Buddies International Champion of the Year after she raised $10,000 for the nonprofit organization for people with special needs.
University of South Carolina Beaufort student Francie Gaskin went all-out for a cause she believes in. A dedicated advocate for inclusivity and empowerment, she raised $10,000 for a non-profit organization for people with intellectual disabilities. In recognition of her efforts, Gaskin has been named a 2023 Best Buddies Champion of the Year.
Gaskin, who is majoring in Public Health and will graduate in 2024, is in her second term as president of USCB’s Best Buddies student organization. This international nonprofit creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Gaskin said that personal experience showed her the need for inclusion in all aspects of life and motivated her to join Best Buddies at USCB. The chapter started in 2018 with just a few student members and today has more than 65 registered participants.
“My Aunt Katana has special needs, and from a very young age, I witnessed the need for extra support. Best Buddies offers so much to the special needs community in a way that makes it feel easy to be passionate and devote time to. The “buddies,” or people with special needs in the program, have taught me more than I could ever teach them. They show what it means to be kind to everyone despite our differences, and they teach me how to find happiness in every day, ” Gaskin said.
On Nov. 11, Gaskin was named the Lowcountry’s Champion at the Best Buddies Champion of the Year Gala in Greenville, South Carolina. The gala is an annual statewide event where one champion from six regions is chosen.
The process to become a Champion starts when each local chapter nominates a candidate. USCB selected Gaskin. During a rigorous eight-week period leading up to the gala, Champion candidates raise funds and awareness for Best Buddies. Gaskin’s campaign included online donations and business sponsorships. She also put on a community event to raise money for new Best Buddies chapters in South Carolina — some of which are coming to Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.
Her event, a Halloween Pickleball Tournament called "Pickle-BOO," brought together members of the community for fun and friendly competition while celebrating inclusion.
Gaskin's commitment to Best Buddies has helped foster an inclusive environment at USCB and underscores the impact that individuals can make in furthering the goals of nonprofit organizations. USCB is proud of Gaskin for bringing this honor to USCB and for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Francie Gaskin put on a Best Buddies Halloween Pickle Ball tournament called “Pickle-Boo” to raise money for the organization.
Raising awareness about Best Buddies International was part of Gaskin’s campaign that led her to be chosen as a 2023 Champion of the Year.
