On November 14th, the Butler University baseball and softball teams turned the New Hope of Indiana Payne Road campus into a celebration of friendship, fun, and inclusion as nearly 35 student-athletes spent the day volunteering with participants in our Day Services and AIM programs.

The excitement kicked off on Thursday, November 14, with a short presentation on practical ways to be inclusive allies in the community—an important reminder that inclusion starts with awareness and intention. From there, the real magic unfolded when the Bulldog baseball and softball players hosted the first-ever New Hope Olympics. Participants tested their skills in football and baseball throws, golf putting, cornhole, bowling, oversized Jenga, and a host of other games.Laughter and cheers filled the air as athletes cheered on every attempt, celebrating effort just as much as accuracy and ensuring every individual felt like a champion.

Together, New Hope participants and Butler athletes made enjoyed cake and popcorn, and formed new friendships across tables and teams. But the undisputed highlight came when someone fired up the music. In minutes, Payne Road transformed into an all-out singing and dancing party, with Butler athletes and New Hope participants belting out favorites side by side.

None of this would have been possible without Universal Cares, the incredible partner that

organized both days, connected Butler University with New Hope, and generously provided the Universal toboggans and gold medals that everyone proudly wore.

The Butler baseball and softball teams proved to be outstanding ambassadors for their university, modeling what true inclusion looks like in action. We are already counting down the days until our Bulldog friends return—and the dance floor is staying warmed up! Thank you, Butler University athletes and Universal Cares, for an unforgettable day that reminded everyone: when we come together, we all win.