RISE celebrated Giving Hearts Day on February 8th with an Appreciation Luncheon recognizing the admirable philanthropic work of Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction CEO, Julie Bonacio, Bonacio Construction President, and Owner of Julie & Co. Realty, and Meg Kelly, Bonacio Development and Former Saratoga Springs Mayor, with the “Get it Done” award.
Meg, Sonny and Julie have been very active supporters of RISE and its mission. Before the idea of the Adelphi Street Shelter was even conceived, Meg worked hard to locate and secure funding and partners to help make the HOMEBASE Psychosocial Day Treatment project a reality.
Lindsey Connors, RISE Associate Executive Director, reflected on Meg Kelly’s extensive community services during the award presentation “She is a doer, strategic, and a finisher – never failing to pull it across the finish line. She is also, most often, a ‘silent helper’, quietly doing what needs to be done without any need for acknowledgement. I very much doubt that a single person in this room knows the true level of impact Meg has had on this community, because above all – she is humble.”
As renovation discussions began about the HOMEBASE project, which will be located at RISE’s headquarters after an expansion, RISE was introduced to the Bonacios. Sonny recounted at the luncheon, that he would look out his office window and think, “What can we do to fix this?” as he saw the dozens of unhoused individuals living on the street.
He called RISE Executive Director Sybil Newell and asked the same question. Sybil listed things off rapidly, nearly in disbelief that he’d actually be able to secure them. Within a week, they had a location that could be opened up as a 24/7, low barrier homeless shelter. And the shelter today has helped 97 individuals, with more than 50 on a waiting list.
Victoria Furfaro, RISE Outreach & Advocacy Director, who over oversees the operations of the Adelphi Street Shelter recalled through tears of joy, “Opening the shelter will be the one of the greatest accomplishments of my entire life. I believe everyone in this room has a mission on this Earth- to make life even a little better for those in our community who have not had the same opportunities, support, or encouragement as the rest of us. The shelter is a shining example of how to make life better for people who need help the most, and it would not have been possible without Sonny, Julie and Meg. I cannot thank them enough for their compassion and dedication to our community.”
“The Bonacios and Ms. Kelly don’t really see barriers,” said Sybil. “They look at a mountain, climb it to the top; then help everyone else up. Their selflessness and community-minded actions have been a major help to RISE and our programs, but more importantly to the individuals we serve. The phrase ‘it takes a village…’ doesn’t just apply to raising children. I’m so thankful to Sonny, Julie, and Meg for seeing that, and acting on it.”
RISE’s village also includes a number of other community members and local leaders who were also in attendance and recognized, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, Honorable Judge Francine Vero, Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, Commissioner of Public Works Jason Golub, Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran, and DPW Business Manager Michael Veitch.
Adelphi Street Shelter guests share how the shelter has impacted their lives.
RISE thanks all our guests who attended the Giving Hearts Day Appreciation Luncheon!