Best Buddies Concert Hopes to Help ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’

The University’s chapter of Best Buddies is hosting a benefit concert on campus tomorrow, Thursday, April 23, to help raise awareness of the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, a national effort to eliminate the use of the word “retard(ed)” in every-day speech because of its dehumanizing and hurtful effects.

Best Buddies, a campus organization that focuses on creating lasting friendships between college students and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is hosting the concert from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Union Ballroom.

“Best Buddies is unlike any other organization on campus in that our ‘meetings’ are social events and activities that facilitate friendships and promote inclusion for all,” explained Concetta Staltari, a promotions and fundraising officer for Best Buddies at Duquesne and a fourth-year physician assistant major. “As each Duquesne student forms a personal bond with a ‘buddy’ in the program, it becomes clear how important it is to spread the word about ending the derogatory use of the word ‘retarded.’”

The event will also feature speakers with disabilities, including Marlana Vanhoose, a talented, blind singer; music; dancing; and a raffle.

“Many of our buddies have personal stories of their struggles with bullying, and we hope that our annual concert can enlighten those not involved with our organization, and impact as many people as possible,” said Staltari.

Admission to the Best Buddies concert, which is open to the public, is $5 or it’s free to attend with the purchase of a $10 t-shirt at the event. All proceeds benefit Duquesne’s Best Buddies program.

For more information, contact Concetta Staltari.