The Best Buddies organization will host its 5th Annual R.I. Friendship Walk next month to raise funds for its mission. The walk will take place on April 22 at Providence College’s Ray Treacy Track. The event is free and open to the public, and it includes food trucks, face painting, and special performances. Anyone can join a team or create their own to participate. Last year, the event raised $40,000, and organizers hope to exceed this amount this year. All proceeds will go toward the organization’s friendship and leadership programs. Best Buddies aims to promote inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Events like the Friendship Walk give hope to people like Emily Marshall, who has a stepbrother with special needs. She said that events like this show what individuals with disabilities can do, rather than what they can’t. Photos from previous Friendship Walks are available on the organization’s website.