Changing the World: Mary Delaney's Journey with Best Buddies

Mary and Katie Cortelyou at the Best Buddies DC gala circa 2005.

Mary Delaney is proof that one person truly can change the world! Mary heard about Best Buddies on NBC's Today Show in the late 1990's and contacted Best Buddies International to learn how she could bring Best Buddies to Indiana. At that time, Mary's second daughter, Meghan, was just a toddler. Meghan was born with Down syndrome and Mary hoped that by the time Meghan got to high school a Best Buddies program would be available for her. Mary worked with other mothers affiliated with Down Syndrome Indiana and numerous volunteers to host an annual gala to raise funds to start Best Buddies. The first event raised $75,000 and included more than 450 attendees. Building on the success of the gala, the group held a second event and then granted the funds to Best Buddies International to open a state office in Indiana. 

Meghan and her peer buddy, Ashley.

Mary served as the first board chair for the BBIN Advisory Board and has co-chaired many more gala events for the organization over the years. She has also been a tremendous volunteer for our programs, helping with the annual Leadership Conference, local leadership training days, and Buddy Ambassador trainings. In addition, Mary has served as the parent liasion for the Westfield High School chapter of Best Buddies where her oldest daughter, Mollie, was formerly a peer buddy, and her daughter Meghan, is now a buddy member. Best Buddies Indiana would not be where it is today without Mary's support, unwavering dedication and commitment. We thank Mary for all she has done for Best Buddies and are so proud to have her as a board member and volunteer supporting our mission of friendship and inclusion!

How did you become involved with Best Buddies?

I became involved with Best Buddies in 1998, when I saw Willard Scott from the Today Show interviewing someone from Best Buddies in the crowd and I knew I wanted that program in Indiana. I called the BB International office and was put in touch with David Quilleon, who was the Illinois State Director at the time. My daughter Meghan was three years old at the time. A group of women who had organized the DSI Buddy Walk decided to put together a black tie event to raise money to open a Best Buddies Indiana state office. 

Mary volunteering at the 2012 BBI Leadership Conference in Bloomington.

What is your favorite Best Buddies memory?

My favorite Best Buddies memory (and there are many so it's hard to choose) would ahve to be the first time I went to opening ceremonies at leadership conference and seeing all those young students there (both with and without disabilities). It was overwhelming to see so many young people so excited about working with people with intellectual disabilities. It made me cry and still does to this day!

What are you doing today?

Today, I serve on the Best Buddies Indiana Advisory Board and co-chaired the 2012 Black and White Ball. I am also thrilled to be able to tell you that my daughter, Meghan, who is my inspiration for all of this, is in her third year of participating in the Westfield H.S. chapter! 

Meghan and friends at the 2011 Westfield HS homecoming parade.

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

If I have to choose one word it would probably be "acceptance". Truly unconditional acceptance.