Hi everyone! 

My name is Maddie Gilbert and I am a Incluisve and Elementary Education major. This year I am raising money for the Franciscan Center for Social Concern and specificically, Bona Buddies. I have had the honor of being hired to the coordinator team at the beginning of this year and I am incredibly passionate about keeping this club running for as long as possible. It has become a huge part of my life and I love the people I work with.

Let me tell you a little more about the program. Bona Buddies is a mentorship program where students from the local area come to St. Bonaventure's campus for two hours. Each child that is a part of the program is matched with a St. Bonaventure student mentor. The mentor and the child get to hang out, play games, and even interact with other clubs on campus. This program offers a safe space for kids to unwind after school and to have a positive role model to look up to.

Bona Buddies has given me the opportunity to make connections with students outside of the classroom. It has allowed me to step into a leadership role and bring people together in a unique way. I get to watch college students, my peers, build relationships with children that will last a lifetime. I can see how positively it impacts not only the Bonaventure students, but the children from the community as well. 

A donation from you would mean smiles on the faces of all the people who put so much effort into making sure Bona Buddies is a successful program. More importantly, a donation would mean Bona Buddies gets to keep making a difference in the lives of local children long after I graduate. 

Thank you! On behalf of Bona Buddies, thank you! On behalf of the Coordinator team, thank you! All donations are so deeply appreciated!