My eBuddy, Big Ken Holden from Tampa, and I went to the White House yesterday to celebrate National Mentoring Month. We represented Best Buddies at the event.
We waited outside in the cold for 30 minutes with about 100 other mentors and mentees. We were ID checked outside. We then went to another checkpoint where we were IDed again. We then went to a third checkpoint where we were screened with metal detectors, etc. and ID checked again. Thanks “gate crashers” for making the security checks much tougher and longer than usual.
Then we walked into the White House where everyone was very open and friendly. Piano music was being played and members of the military were there to host and escort us.
Ken and I walked around. I took many photos of him in front of Presidential portraits and in several rooms. We then went to the event itself. Mrs. Obama and the POTUS both delivered wonderful speeches. Some photos were taken and then we were told we could mingle and meet other mentors and then we left.
We were in and out in 75 minutes. It was run very efficiently and very smoothly. It was a wonderful event and I am proud to have been invited. It was also wonderful to spend quality time with Ken who then took his Mom to the Wizards game and sat in my seats on the floor. All in all, it was a nice visit at the White House and a great day for Best Buddies.
