Dancing the Day Away at the Winter Buddy Ball

The lights were dimmed and the music was loud.

Inside the DeSales University Center, students clapped and cheered as dozens of community members made their way onto the makeshift dance floor, dancing the day away at the Winter Buddy Ball.

The University’s Best Buddies club hosted the prom-inspired event for adults in the community with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have phased out of high school programs.

“Programs like Best Buddies are incredibly important because oftentimes when these individuals age out of high school or early adult programs, there are significantly fewer opportunities for them to connect with their peers,” said Kasara Ostroff ’26, a biology major and Best Buddies chapter president. “Our mission is to help bridge the gap, by fostering friendships with our students here at DeSales and those individuals within our community.”

Alex Volz previously participated in Best Buddies at Quakertown High School. This is his first year with the DeSales chapter, and he describes the experience in one word—fun.

“Best Buddies is an amazing program,” said Volz. “My favorite memory is just having friends and having a good time. I love Best Buddies, and I love DeSales.”

Jason Kluska has been a Best Buddies community member since 2010. For him, making connections with DeSales students and other community members is vital. “[These events] are the best part of Best Buddies,” he said. “Best Buddies rules.”

In addition to dancing, the event featured food, a photo booth, a craft station with bracelet making and sunglass decorating, and a room with coloring, puzzles, and other activities.

“The Buddy Ball provides an atmosphere that’s solely structured on community and friendship, lifting each other up, and having a good time,” said Bridey Lawler ’26, a pharmaceutical marketing major and Best Buddies event coordinator. “Seeing the smiles on all of our members’ faces is the most rewarding experience of all.”