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She's Tops With Best Buddies

Photo from Alexandra Greacen

Katie Flach, left, and Alexandra Greacen spend a recent afternoon together in Channelside. Greacen recently was honored by the nonprofit agency where she works.

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com

Published: March 25, 2009

HYDE PARK - Although Alexandra Greacen has worked for Best Buddies for only three years, she recently was selected one of the nonprofit organization's national employees of the year. She started as a volunteer for the organization that promotes friendship for people with disabilities before becoming the national senior program manager and the Florida director of programs in 2006.

A graduate of Plant High School and the University of Florida, Greacen said she was familiar with special needs issues because some of her family members are special needs teachers. Greacen, 25, said a diversity dance in college served as her introduction to Best Buddies.

Q: How does this program benefit participants?

A: Our individuals flourish. They gain self-esteem, self-confidence and social skills. It broadens their horizons and improves their job skills.

Q: Are there benefits for the volunteers?

A: For our volunteers, some are just instinctively drawn to it. They really are enriched by the kindness they see. It's an eye-opening experience to see such a variety of disabilities that people go through and yet are still upbeat.

Q: How does one become a volunteer?

A: For our adult program, you must be over 18 years old and pass a background check, commit to forming a friendship for one year and meeting at least twice a month. That can be for as short as a half an hour after work or spending the full day together.

Q: Do you have a buddy?

A: Yes. Her name is Katie Flach, and she is 32. We've been paired for about 2 1/2 years. We both have very big sweet teeth, but we sometimes make plans for a healthy dinner or go to the art museum, power walk, or dance classes at the gym.

Q: Has the economy affected your organization at all?

A: A lot of my volunteers are taking on second jobs or going back to school, so time has become an issue. For our participants who lose their jobs, it's harder to get another because of the competition. Our program is friendship-based and some spend absolutely no money, but time has become an issue.

Q: Tell me about the event Saturday, the Best Buddies Day 2009: A Pirate Themed Bowl-A-Thon and World of Friendships Festival.

A: Everyone is so enthusiastic. This event is my pride and joy. Hands down it is the most exciting day of the year. Last year we raised $15,000 and had almost 400 participants. This year's bowl-a-thon is Saturday with check-in at 11 a.m. and the event from 12 to 3:30 p.m. at Pin Chasers Mid Town, 4847 N. Armenia Ave. The $25 general admission fee includes lunch, T-shirt and bowling. For $5, observers can participate without bowling.

Q: How can people sign up?

A: Go to www.bestbuddies

florida.org/bbdaytampa or call me at (813) 254-9025, ext. 303.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661.

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