On Friday, October 24, the parking lot at Eagles Landing Middle School glows with string lights, cheerful decorations, and the sounds of laughter. North Broward Preparatory School’s Best Buddies club kicks off the year with its annual Trunk or Treat event, a celebration designed to bring the community together in a safe, sensory-friendly environment.
By 5:15 p.m., over 60 North Broward students and community volunteers come to decorate their cars. Each trunk transforms into a creative scene ranging from classic Halloween themes to colorful displays that make every visitor feel included. The air buzzes with excitement as families arrive. Children in costumes move from car to car collecting candy and playing games.
The event reflects the core ideas of Best Buddies International: to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and inclusive experiences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At North Broward, these hopes shine brightly through events led by club president Shaye Rosen and advisor Ms. Glenn.
For members like Rylee Labell, the evening represents why she joined the club. “I wanted to make new friends and help everyone feel included at school,” Labell says. She adds, “The club reminds us to be kind to each other regardless of our differences.” She tells us, “My favorite part of the night was seeing the kids smile and having so much fun together and contributing to something meaningful.”
Jane Berman, the club’s vice president, agrees that the event captures the heart of the organization. “Kicking off the year with Best Buddies at the annual Trunk or Treat is so amazing,” Berman says. “It’s an incredible experience for everyone in the club to see what our mission truly is and what our club stands for.” Berman explains that the club’s goal for the evening is “to bring smiles to kids’ faces and be positive sources of light for them, making Trunk or Treat a comfortable, safe environment that’s also sensory-friendly.” She believes, “Walking around the parking lot, you can truly feel the energy bursting. Every car is decorated, everyone is smiling, and the excitement is peaking.”
Beyond the festivities, the night highlights the importance of connection. “It isn’t just North Broward participating, which makes it even more special,” Berman says. “We get to see how many people truly care about the Best Buddies mission.” As the evening wraps up, Rosen and the leadership team take a moment to reflect that through candy, laughter, and community spirit, the Trunk or Treat event shows that when everyone comes together, everyone belongs.
