Best Buddies Tennessee State Director - Anneliese Barron
Background
Anneliese was first introduced to Best Buddies in 2007 when she saw footage of the Best Buddies Challenge on NBC Sports. At the time, her infant son, who was born with Down syndrome, was awaiting open-heart surgery. Although he had many medical problems, it was not his health that she worried about – it was his future social life. She feared he would be teased and bullied because of his disability, and that he wouldn’t have any friends. Since Best Buddies did not have an office in Tennessee, she took it upon herself to spearhead the fundraising effort to bring the organization to her state.
In January, 2010 - fifteen months after the first fundraising event – the Best Buddies Tennessee state office opened its doors in Franklin, TN, and Anneliese was hired as the State Director. Two months later, Senator Jack Johnson recognized Anneliese by introducing a senate joint resolution honoring the work she did to bring Best Buddies to the Volunteer State. The resolution was unanimously passed by the senate on April 5th, 2010.
Why did you choose Best Buddies for employment?
The choice to work for Best Buddies was an easy one for me. As a parent of a child with an intellectual disability, I am passionate about the Best Buddies mission. I know that Best Buddies will change the lives of so many people – both with and without intellectual disabilities.
What does friendship mean to you?
To me, friendship is a bond that is shared by two people that allows them to see and appreciate the unique and special characteristics that each of them possess.
What are your goals for your state this year?
The goal for Best Buddies Tennessee this year is to grow our footprint in the Nashville area by establishing chapters in high schools and colleges, increasing funding, and gaining media attention. Our long term goal is to expand our programs across the state so that we can provide opportunities for friendship to everyone that is still in need of a buddy.
