In what has become a bona fide tradition, the St. Bonaventure University community joined together for the fifth annual #BonaGivingDay, raising $280,953.90 in support of today’s students.

A total of 796 gifts were made during the 24-hour crowdfunding event on Jan. 30, surpassing the original goal of $150,000 by late afternoon.

“I call it the Bonnie difference,” said Alan Riddle, director of Annual Giving. “Each year hundreds of Bonnies come together and show their school spirit. Alumni like Georgette Attea Rautenstrauch, Matt Motyka, Emily Ciraolo, and Scott Verrenti worked hard this year to rally classmates and inspire participation.”

Riddle noted that a “fun factor” throughout the daylong event is the friendly competition created by various challenges. These included a $50,000 challenge match issued by the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Name Province, which was achieved by 10 a.m., and a 60-minute participation challenge posed by Joe Weiss, Class of 1969, which was met in just 20 minutes.

Other challenges included: the Duggan & Duggan General Contractor, Inc., $25,000 First-time Donor Challenge; the Chris LaPlaca, Class of 1979, $10,000 Challenge for 100 gifts in 120 minutes; the National Alumni Association Board Former Presidents’ $10,000 Challenge to Classes from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s; and the Michael and Kristen Geiger, Class of 1986, $8,000 Challenge for Current and Former Bona Parents.

“St. Bonaventure’s alumni and friends are invested like never before in the future success of the university,” said Bob Van Wicklin, vice president for Advancement. “Their passion shines through in events like this, where they can best help students reach their full potential.”    

Gifts made during #BonaGivingDay primarily support The Bonaventure Fund, which helps to expand scholarship aid, enrich educational experiences, and strengthen student support programs.

For more information about The Bonaventure Fund or to learn how to be part of #BonaGivingDay next year, please contact the Alan Riddle at (716) 375-2068 or ariddle@sbu.edu.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. In 2019, St. Bonaventure was named the #1 regional university value in New York and #2 in the North by U.S. News and World Report.