Thursday, October 1, 2026
Adam Moss, a South Side High School junior who is the vice president of the school’s Best Buddy Club, and Andrew Zaffos, a club member, were chosen by Best Buddies to represent student role models for the organization.
Adam and Andrew shared the story of what their friendship means to them during a benefit concert for Best Buddies in Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall on Nov. 10.
Their heartwarming story fit well with the theme of the evening. After having been matched only two years ago, the boys and their families have developed a close relationship and support each other. Andrew joined Adam as a team member of his “Adams Allies” diabetes walk team. Together they volunteer to help young children suffering with diabetes.
The boys also enjoy movies, video games, bowling and great gluten-free pizzas. Andrew and Adam both follow restricted diets because Andrew suffers from celiac disease and Adam is a type 1 diabetic. They watch out for each other and support each other’s needs.
Adam and Andrew are role models for fellow students interested in fostering an environment of social inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In his role of vice president of his local chapter, Adam works with other student leaders to ensure that Best Buddies’ mission and message are realized throughout the community. His goal is to extend the club beyond the schools and assist peers in forming lifelong friendships. Adam understands how important those friendships can be — he has an aunt who resides in an AHRC group home. Adam and Andrew together serve on the Best Buddies Long Island Advisory Board and share their perspective on youth activities throughout the region.
The evening was a tremendous success. Zankel Hall was filled with 500 guests. Musical artists included prize-winning pianist Elaine Kwon; Mark Rapp on trumpet; Derek Lee Bronston on guitar; soprano Angelica De La Riva; Nilko Andreas Guarin on guitar; Demetrius Spaneas on saxophone; an octet and actors Wayne Pyle, Molly Renfroe Katz and John Summerford, playwright Quincy Long; Miss USA and Miss Teen USA and celebrity host and NY1 anchor/ reporter Michelle Park as presenter.
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the mission of Best Buddies is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership growth for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
