Best Buddies friendship goes beyond the match at WKU

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – A friendship formed through Best Buddies at Western Kentucky University is helping raise thousands of dollars to expand opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Kentucky.

WKU junior and Best Buddies chapter president Grace Collins and her buddy, Matthew Larkin, are taking part in Best Buddies in Kentucky’s Champion of the Year campaign. Collins was one of 10 people selected statewide for the campaign, with Larkin serving as her mission partner.

The two first met before they were officially matched through the WKU chapter.

“He was like, ‘It’s so nice to meet you. Do you want to be my friend?’ And I was like, ‘Of course,’” Collins recalled.

After they were later paired, Collins said it quickly became clear their relationship extended beyond the organization.

“I was like, oh my goodness, like this is so much more than just like, Best Buddies,” Collins said. “I can’t wait to do this again. Like, I can’t wait to see him again.”

Best Buddies at WKU brings college students and adults with disabilities together through friendships and group activities. Larkin said the organization brings him “lots of friendships” and “belonging.”

Collins and Larkin set a goal of raising $25,000 through their Champion of the Year campaign. As of their interview, they had raised about $15,000 ahead of the Champion of the Year Gala.

Collins said the money will stay in Kentucky and help fund new Best Buddies programs, chapters and other initiatives.

“Our goal at the end of the day, yes, is to raise a bunch of money, but really is to spread that mission of inclusion, spread that mission of kindness,” Collins said.

And while the campaign will eventually end, Collins hopes the friendship will not.

“I mean, I would hope that this friendship would last forever,” Collins said.

For Larkin, that sounds pretty good.

“That sounds awesome,” he said.