Student volunteers put up scarecrows in Allegany/Photo courtesy of BonaGany press release
BY MARNIQUE OLIVIERI-PANEPENTO, STAFF WRITER
The Non-Profit 501-C BonaGany, Inc. was ultimately created to help encourage a positive relationship between St. Bonaventure University, the students and the residents of Allegany, New York. This organization successfully does just that.
BonaGany, created in the early 2000s, consists of six student interns and a board that oversees numerous community service projects. The board members include a SBU representative, students, the village and local landlords who determine how the organization utilizes its financial resources to move its aim forward.
According to Bona Student Housing, “BonaGany’s goals are many and their opportunities are limitless.” They “believe that Allegany and SBU benefit greatly from their shared existence and prosperity. BonaGany will continue to move their mission forward with help from local independent contractors, student interns, and other local non-profits.”
The marketing and property management intern, Teagan McKane, a senior marketing major, has been involved in the organization since the beginning of this school semester.
BonaGany CEO Tom Dettore, and McKane’s landlord, sent out letters to all of his property residents about joining the organization. There was an interview process and McKane was hired. There was an interest meeting with Dettore and another BonaGany board member to discuss possible positions.
BonaGany serves the community through acts of service and donations to local non-profits with the help of on and off-campus students. Students and the community work alongside one another.
Luke Hurlbutt, the community service intern and senior finance major, also got involved with the organization through rental properties offered by Bona Student Housing, which includes around 10 houses. He and Dettore decided he would be the best fit for this position based on the multiple volunteer and service activities he completed in the past.
“We help the Allegany and Bonaventure community by providing opportunities for students to give back to the community that we all call home, when we are at school,” McKane said.
Student interns assist in all aspects of BonaGany property management while incorporating SBU’s values. The maintenance team and interns help give students the best living situation possible, McKane added. The interns also have opportunities to gain experience with website development, marketing, communications and advertising.
Recent projects included a village fall cleanup with the Enchanted Mountain Garden Club and setting up scarecrows, a competition among Bona student houses, down East Main Street. Future projects include the weekly cleanups and more service activities in the spring. In a press release, “This along with many other BonaGany projects will continue to grow in years to come.”
“I believe the most important part of BonaGany is to show that the students of St. Bonaventure are willing and able to give back to the community that has supported, and dealt with, students during their time here,” Hurlbutt said.
“It is important to bridge the gap between Allegany and students and form a positive relationship,” McKane said.
olivieme19@bonaventure.edu
