Auburn Best Buddies may appear as just another campus organization to people unfamiliar with it, but to its members it's where they have met some of their best friends.
"We are a program that provides friendships," said Lauren Swindle, president of Auburn Best Buddies and junior in collaborative special education. "That's what it boils down to."
Best Buddies is a non-profit organization that helps create friendships between college students and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
College students, called "college buddies," are paired with a disabled child, with whom they spend one-on-one time with throughout the year.
Swindle said her buddy, Ann Finlen, who has Down syndrome, is truly her best friend.
"Ann has taught me unconditional love," Swindle said. "She can see the good when we can only see the bad things."
Auburn's chapter has approximately 150 college buddies and 70 buddies ranging from age 15 and up, making it the largest Best Buddies chapter in the United States.
Swindle said the group has been nominated for the best chapter award. Results will be released later this year.
"It's unlike any other organization," said Shannon Walton, public relations coordinator for Best Buddies and sophomore in public relations. "You're really making an impact on their lives and yours. It's truly beneficial."
Because there are not enough buddies to be paired with each member, Walton said the associate members, members not paired with a buddy, help out at events and fundraisers and spend time with everyone.
As well as spending time with their buddies and speaking to them on a weekly basis, the organization holds monthly events for all the members and buddies to attend.
Next month's event is a formal Valentine's Day dance at the Auburn Student Center.
"The buddies love dancing," said Erin Beasley, vice president of Best Buddies and junior in rehabilitation and disabilities studies. "They have such big smiles on their faces. It's so memorable to see them having so much fun."
Beasley has been buddies with Bryan Carpenter, who has Down syndrome, for two years.
"He always just wants to spend time with me and share stories," Beasley said. "He's so in control and humble. He's one of my closest friends".
The members also host Thanksgiving and Christmas parties as well as bowling nights and matching parties, where the volunteers first get paired with their buddy.
"We are making friendships that will last a lifetime for them and us," Walton said.
Students looking to become a member of Best Buddies can apply at the beginning of each fall semester.
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