Driven by Friendship - John and Jane Barnes' Journey with Best Buddies

While the checkered flags of May are just behind us, we salute a special racing team this month, Panther Racing, and their owners John and Jane Barnes. John and Jane have been longtime supporters of Best Buddies International and helped raise the funds to open the Indiana office in 2002. For the last ten years, they have served on the Best Buddies Indiana Honorary Board and been steadfast supporters of our mission. It is an honor to have the support of John and Jane and Panther Racing!

How did you become involved with Best Buddies?
John and I became involved with Best Buddies at the 1995 Best Buddies International Gala held in Miami, Florida. As hostess, Eunice Kennedy Shriver had decided on a "race theme" and we were asked to provide authenticity to the gala with a Indy 500 Race Car. We attended the gala and started a relationship with she and Anthony Kennedy Shriver, which eventually led to the privilege of helping bring a chapter to Indiana.

What is your favorite Best Buddies memory?
The essence of Best Buddies, as always, is exhibited anytime Katie Cortelyou is in the room!

What are you doing today?
Managing Panther Racing, an Indy Car team. 

What is one word that makes you think of Best Buddies?
Acceptance