Best Buddies Champion Celebrates The Future Of Inclusion

As Michael Molinaro and his mission partner, Matt Snowden, set out on their Champion of the Year campaign to support the nonprofit organization Best Buddies Maryland, they wanted to do more than fundraise. The duo planned to shine a light on inclusion and how it can affect a community.

This fall, the men received Top Champion of the Year honors from Best Buddies Maryland after raising $12,378. The funds will help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I’ve built my career around communication, connection and inclusion,” said Molinaro, owner of Peake Speech Therapy & Consulting in Severna Park. “Every human being contributes something unique and deserves the opportunity to participate fully in life. When people are supported to use their gifts, they don’t just grow — they transform the world around them.”

Best Buddies offers one-to-one friendships, leadership development, integrated employment and inclusive living. Molinaro felt compelled to help because Best Buddies programs don’t just provide services; they build belonging.

“They give people with and without disabilities the opportunity to connect, to learn from each other, and to grow together,” he explained. “Right now, Best Buddies is pioneering an exciting initiative: inclusive, semi-independent living opportunities on college campuses. This model brings young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities into full participation in campus life — learning, living and leading alongside their peers. It’s the future of inclusion, and we’re working to make it a reality in Maryland.”

As for Molinaro’s personal connection to the cause, he has enjoyed watching Snowden grow as he transitioned into adulthood.

“Together, we’ve focused on building his communication skills, job readiness, and confidence in social situations,” Molinaro said. “But our work extends far beyond a therapy room. We grab meals together, play pickleball and kickball through a community group called Peake Social, and spend time out in the community — putting communication into practice where it matters most. I’ve watched Matt take the tools we’ve worked on and use them with heart and determination.

“And beyond all that? He’s seriously talented. Matt competes across the country in the Adaptive Open Championship (golf tournament) and travels as part of Doug Flutie’s STARS of the Spectrum golf circuit. Whether he’s competing or connecting with others, Matt demonstrates what’s possible when inclusion isn’t just an idea — it’s reality.”

From neighbors who donated to friends who attended a Mini Golf Tournament and “Out Drive Matt” Challenge at Severna Park Golf Center, support for the campaign became a celebration of community. Every swing, every conversation, and every act of support helped make inclusion real, not just in theory, but in practice.

“This journey has reminded me that inclusion doesn’t start with an organization — it starts with us,” Molinaro said. “It starts with choosing to see potential where others see limitation, and to build environments where everyone belongs. I’m deeply grateful to the Severna Park community, to Best Buddies Maryland, and to Matt — whose courage and joy continue to inspire me every day. Together, we are building a world where everyone (can) connect and belong.”