Saturday was an exciting day for local residents who had the opportunity to meet Miss USA at the Big-O Tire Store in Spanish Fork. Miss USA, Crystle Stewart was in Spanish Fork to do a radio spot on K-Bull 93, reminding locals about the fundraising event to be held that evening to raise money for Best Buddies.

Best Buddies is a non-profit organization which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.

"This organization is dear to my heart," Stewart said. "I have a younger sister with an intellectual disability and I have taught autistic children. We have done a great thing with the No Child Left Behind Act, but that doesn't mean that these students leave school with friends and social skills. Best Buddies helps these students learn to make friends, find jobs and socialize."

Best Buddies was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver and the organization has grown immensely since it was first founded. Best Buddies pairs intellectually disabled students with non-disabled students. The students meet together monthly, or more often, to participate in fun activities together. These meetings help students learn social skills and learn how to make friends. There are currently more than 1300 middle school, high school and college campuses with chapters across the country and internationally.

The first Best Buddies chapter began in 1990 at Brigham Young University. The school's chapter is now the largest in the nation and other universities have joined the cause as well, including the U of U, WSU and USU. There are currently 11 high schools participating and over 800 participants throughout the state.

While in Spanish Fork, Stewart, along with Mrs. Utah, Emily Nelson, and Mrs. Arizona Brooke Nelson signed autographs, posed for photos and visited with customers and local residents.

"For someone who travels the whole world, it is great to have Miss USA visit a small town," said Colton Malherbe, Big-O Management. "She is doing great things and it really shows that she cares about everyone."

An ad spot was put on the radio during the event to let Utah residents know about the Dancing with the Starzz event which took place at the Little America on Saturday evening. The event paired up local celebrities with those in the Best Buddies program. Some celebrities included Julia Bachison, Miss Utah USA; Kayla Barclay, Miss Utah; Danny Allen and Vanessa Cheney, KJZZ Home Team Hosts; Alex Austin, a former NBA player; and Mary Kaye Huntsman, 1st Lady of Utah.

During the event a buddy pair was recognized. Caitlin Lafontaine and Alycia Altom from Davis High School were recognized. The two have been buddies for one year and enjoy shopping, manicures, watching movies and eating out.

"It is often hard for many intellectually disabled students to find friends," said Stewart. "Best Buddies is a wonderful program to help them find and make friends and learn social skills."

For more information about the Best Buddies program, visit their website at www.bestbuddiesutah.org