Dedicated to Best Buddies: Guaranteed Impact winner Ethan Greenberg
When he was just a freshman at Chicago’s Jones College Prep, Ethan Greenberg founded the school’s chapter of Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
He was just getting started. In the years leading up to his recent graduation, Ethan was an active member, fundraiser and event planner for Best Buddies. For his efforts, Ethan has been selected as one of ten Guaranteed Impact winners.
“He hit the ground running,” Ethan’s father, Leon, recalls. “He was an officer of the club all four years of high school. He created the website for the school’s chapter and was an active fundraiser, bringing in thousands of dollars within weeks of its launch. Ethan has also been a terrific organizer for Best Buddies events.”
Ethan even persuaded Elena Delle Donne, a former player for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky and the league’s MVP in 2015, to attend an event. According to his father, Ethan’s final event was a Best Buddies prom, which was an enormous success.
While Ethan’s recent graduation marks the end of an era, his work with Best Buddies is far from over. He is heading to Kansas University in the fall and he plans to continue his involvement there.
Ethan has long showed a compassion for others—prior to high school he was active in the American Youth Soccer Organization’s VIP program, which helps children with physical or mental disabilities enjoy the game.
“His compassion and patience for kids with special needs is remarkable,” says Leon Greenberg of his son. “As his father, I could not be prouder of him.”
This season, Rate and the Chicago White Sox are teaming up to put heroic kids and teens in the spotlight. The Guaranteed Impact Program celebrates young people who are making a positive difference in their schools and communities. The program’s goal is to encourage and empower kids and teens who are working to improve the lives of those around them. Recipients will be treated to a well-deserved day at Rate Field for a White Sox home game in a suite with 15 friends and family.