Positive Ripples started at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY, as a joint effort between BonaResponds, Haiti Scholarships, and BonaSimm. Twenty years later it's still volunteer-run, board-governed, and accountable to the communities the work happens in.
The board is unpaid, the trips are self-funded, and the work is governed by the communities, not by us. These are the directors who keep the org accountable.
Finance professor at St. Bonaventure University and the founder of BonaResponds, formed in the weeks after Hurricane Katrina. The long-running engine behind Positive Ripples and the person who has flown into more disaster zones than most aid workers do in a career.
Joined the board in 2022. She began volunteering with BonaResponds in 2019, after hearing Jim Mahar give an inspiring talk at the Chautauqua Institute. A School Social Worker and Family Resource Coordinator at the Wellsville School District for 29 years, with another 5 years working with unhoused families, therapeutic foster care, and crisis intervention.
Portfolio Management Associate at Alesco Advisors and a graduate of St. Bonaventure University, where he earned a B.B.A. in Finance with a minor in Economics. Active in BonaResponds disaster relief and volunteer initiatives, and a volunteer baseball coach for Pittsford Mendon High School. He lives in Pittsford, New York.
Joined the board in 2025. A 2020 graduate of St. Bonaventure University, she was actively involved in BonaResponds during her time on campus. Emma now works in accounting in the Binghamton, NY area and remains passionate about community service.
Joined the board in 2026. A student at St. Bonaventure University pursuing a B.A. in Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration, and Vice President of BonaResponds. Originally from Morristown, New Jersey.
A Franciscan Father, former Division I lacrosse player at the U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Navy helicopter pilot. Chaplain of St. Bonaventure University and one of the most beloved members of the Bonaventure community.
Positive Ripples is the joint effort of several St. Bonaventure University clubs and groups. Together, they make the work possible.
Founded by Jim Mahar in the weeks after Hurricane Katrina to help wherever helping was needed. Two decades on, still our boots on the ground in disaster zones, from Haiti to Houston.
bonaresponds.orgFundraises globally to put Haitian students through Haitian schools, where roughly a dollar a day covers tuition. Every gift keeps a student in class and a Haitian teacher employed.
haitischolarships.comStudents in Money Management at St. Bonaventure run a real $800K+ investment portfolio, and donate one-third of the earnings to charity, including this work.
bonasimm.orgAll-volunteer. No overhead skim, no executive pay. Choose the size of your ripple, or write your own amount on PayPal.
501(c)(3) · EIN 47-4880953 · All gifts tax-deductible
