The BISON Children's Scholarship Fund

06/13/2023

Last week our President's Council hosted their annual BISON Bash at Seneca One! It was a huge success and a great time was had by all. A big thank you to all of our sponsors and attendees who came out to support our mission! 🦬💚

06/08/2023

Thank you to our Teacher and Student Sponsors for your support of our 2023 BISON BASH. The event is tonight from 5:30-7:30 at Seneca One! Tickets are available at the door! Please join us! 🦬💚

06/07/2023

We would like to thank one of our Principal Sponsors, Trubee Wealth Advisors for their support of our 2023 BISON BASH! Pre-sale tickets for the event tomorrow are still available at www.bisonfund.com. Hope to see you there! 💚🦬

06/07/2023

We would like to thank one of our Principal Sponsors, National Fuel for their support of our 2023 BISON BASH! Pre-sale tickets for the event tomorrow are still available at www.bisonfund.com. Hope to see you there! 💚🦬

06/06/2023

We would like to thank one of our Principal Sponsors, Carmina Wood Design for their support of our 2023 BISON BASH! Pre-sale tickets for the event on Thursday are still available at www.bisonfund.com. Hope to see you there! 🦬💚

06/06/2023

We would like to thank one of our Principal Sponsors, Blu Spa & Salon for their support of our 2023 BISON BASH! Pre-sale tickets for the event on Thursday are still available at www.bisonfund.com. Hope to see you there! 🦬💚

06/05/2023

We would like to thank our Presenting Sponsor, Douglas Development for their support of our 2023 BISON Bash! All are welcome to attend this great event, this Thursday, June 8th! Tickets are available at www.bisonfund.com! 💚🦬

06/01/2023

One week to go!! Get your tickets and join us next week for this fun event!! Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online at www.bisonfund.com! $45 dollars presale, $50 at the door!🦬💚

05/26/2023

The scholarships are being calculated and our BISON families are receiving their award letters for the 2023-'24 school year! Look at these smiles! 🥰💚🦬

05/18/2023

Meet President's Council Member David Conboy!

David is a Senior Vice President at M&T Bank, working in Technology Strategy. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and double majored in International Relations and East Asian Languages and Civilizations. David grew up in Buffalo before moving to South Korea with his family while in high school. He started his career in Washington, D.C. and moved back to Buffalo to be closer to family and to play an active role in Buffalo’s resurgence. David lives in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village, and in his free time loves to spend time with his family and friends, go for runs, and explore WNY. Learn some fun facts about David below!

Why are you passionate about BISON? I’m so thankful for the experiences I had and lessons I learned from teachers and classmates at St. Stephen’s School and St Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. I love that BISON makes experiences and opportunities offered by private schools immediately accessible to families across Buffalo and WNY regardless of their financial situation.

Favorite Pizza Topping - Pepperoni and Blue Cheese

Something you couldn’t live without - Headphones, I love listening to music when I’m working out, hanging out, and working

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Teleport, I love to travel, and have lots of family and friends all over that I wish I could see whenever I wanted!

What can we find you doing on a Saturday Night? At a concert or a show – my local favorites are Irish Classical Theater, the BPO, and PAUSA

If you could have a conversation with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Pope Francis or Christine Baranski (she is one of my favorite actresses and is from Buffalo!)

Guilty Pleasure - I eat way too many Poke Bowls from Fresh Catch and Waikiki every week

Bucket list item – Go to all 7 continents

05/16/2023

A few times a year, our President's Council (PC) participates in reading days where they go into our schools and read to the kids and do some crafts! It is truly a rewarding experience for our PC members and the kids appreciate it immensely as you can see by the amazing thank you notes we receive! 🥰🦬💚

05/11/2023

Please come and join our President's Council in celebrating BISON at their annual BISON BASH to be held on Thursday, June 8th at Seneca One! Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.bisonfund.com. Hope you can come and join us for this night of fun!💚🦬

05/10/2023

It's that time of year again where we make the rounds to our local high schools and pay a visit to our BISON graduating seniors! We wish them well and see what their plans are for next year! 🎓

Congratulations to the class of 2023, especially our 45 BISON seniors! You will do great things!

This year BISON is proud to support 178 high school students throughout WNY!

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05/05/2023

BISON is proud to support over 1,900 economically disadvantaged students throughout all eight counties of WNY! 💚🦬

05/03/2023

Meet Midele! We had the opportunity to get to know her when she gave a mission moment at our President's Council meeting.

Midele began her academic career at Our Lady of Black Rock beginning in kindergarten and then transferred to Catholic Academy of West Buffalo when the two schools merged. She is now in eight grade and hopes to attend Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart next school year! Midele has aspirations of attending college and becoming a doctor! We are proud to support students like Midele and are always grateful to hear their stories!

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04/05/2023

This '22-'23 school year, BISON is proud to support nearly 1,900, K-12 students who are enrolled in over 80 private schools across all 8 counties of Western New York!

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04/03/2023

Last week our President's Council members volunteered to read to the students at St. Joseph University School. They read two spring themed books and did crafts! Reading days are some of our favorite volunteer activities since it allows our PC members to interact with the kids and see firsthand who the BISON Fund helps!

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03/29/2023

Meet President's Council member, Catherine Sheedy!

Catherine is a Senior Internal Audit Manager at Delaware North. She attended Syracuse University for her undergraduate degree and moved home to attend UB for her masters in Accounting. She started her career off in New York City but moved back to Buffalo shortly thereafter to be with family and her now husband.

Catherine now lives in Snyder with her husband, their chocolate lab Winston and recently added their greatest addition yet, their son Noah. In her free time she loves spending time with family and friends, staying active outdoors, and traveling! Learn some fun facts about Catherine below!

Why are you passionate about BISON? BISON hits close to home for me. I grew up in a family where my parents made sacrifices so that my siblings and I could attend Catholic schools. My sister, brother and I feel very strongly that our experience attending St. Christopher's helped build a foundation to set us up for success in the future and I passionately believe that those opportunities should be available to everyone, regardless of income status.

Something material that you can’t live without (not friends or family)? Aquaphor

Guilty pleasure? Cape Cod Salt & Vinegar Chips

Favorite pizza topping? Pepperoni and Banana Peppers

If you could pick to have a superpower, what would it be and why? Flying! I once went skydiving and it was such an incredible experience and such a beautiful view!

Bucket list item: Attend the Olympics

03/24/2023

This week, we had the privilege of welcoming London, a 6th grade student at St. Joseph University School, to do a mission moment at our board meeting. London is the youngest of three siblings who have all received BISON scholarships. Hearing these kiddos, like London, speak is a great way to start our board meetings and reminds us of the importance of our mission! We are proud of what our scholars accomplish! Thank you, London!
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03/21/2023

“It is very important to me for my children to have a faith-based
education, just as I did growing up. I credit it for helping me become the person I am today and I want the same for my children. BISON has allowed me and other hardworking families with low incomes to provide our children with a quality education
that we choose. THANK YOU!”
- JOHANNA, Parent, Catholic Academy of Niagara Falls

BISON is proud to support families like Johanna's for the past 28 years!

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03/17/2023

A pic of some students at St. Amelia School enjoying Mismatch Day!

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03/16/2023

Meet Joe, a sophomore at St. Mary's High School in Lancaster! BISON is proud to support 180 high school scholars throughout WNY!
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03/10/2023

Meet President's Council Member, Cailin Gibbons!

As a Brand and Creative Strategist at Nestle, Cailin helps craft innovative strategies and creative for brands like Stouffer’s, DiGiorno and Hot Pockets. Cailin moved to NYC after graduating from Loyola University Maryland and returned back to Buffalo in October 2020. She loves being back home and when not engaged with BISON Fund you can find her in the kitchen, getting an iced coffee or dog-walking. Get to know some fun facts about Cailin below!

Why are you passionate about BISON: I truly value the mission of BISON Fund to help provide a choice to families when it comes to education. Being involved with BISON allows me to help provide quality educational experience giving children the best chance for success.

Cat or Dog person: Dog alllll the way

Crunchy or smooth peanut butter: Smooth - Skippy to be exact

Favorite song: This is SO hard - I love music!! But have to go with “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac. Don't ask me to sing :)

Favorite pastime: Making epic cheese boards and hosting friends and family!

Favorite restaurant: Also so hard!! In Buffalo, Kuni’s for sure.

Guilty pleasure: Watching Below Deck marathons on Bravo

Best place you have ever traveled: Barcelona, Spain

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03/08/2023

ONE WEEK TO GO! The countdown is on! The application deadline is March 15th! If you or someone you know are interested in applying for tuition assistance for a private school, please visit our website to apply via the link below!

https://bisonfund.com/our-scholarships/

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03/06/2023

We would like to congratulate our BISON 8th grade students who were awarded John R. Oishei high school scholarships. Parleen (Catholic Academy of Niagara Falls) will be attending Mount St. Mary Academy, Anthony (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) will be attending St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and Isabella (Queen of Heaven) will be attending St. Mary’s High School this upcoming fall. Congratulations on this wonderful honor!

The John R. Oishei high school scholarships are awarded to one talented student for each of the area’s 13 private high schools and covers full tuition for four years. BISON is proud to partner with the Foundation to expand school choice for all!

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03/03/2023

A big shout out to this dynamic father daughter duo! Congratulations to BISON Board member, Tod Martin, for being named to Business First’s Power 250 list and to President’s Council member, Fallon Martin, for being named to Business First’s 30 under 30 list. Both are committed to moving our community forward and illustrate this in countless ways. CONGRATULATIONS to you both and we are lucky to have you as champions of our mission! 🦬💚

03/02/2023

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Buffalo Fire Department and the family and friends of the fallen firefighter. Thank you to all of our first responders for all that you do for our community. 💙❤️

02/28/2023

Here is a reminder that our application deadline is fast approaching! If you or someone you know are interested in applying for tuition assistance for a private school, please visit our website to apply via the link below!

https://bisonfund.com/our-scholarships/

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02/24/2023

Congratulations to our BISON 8th grade students who got accepted into their private high schools of choice! We cannot wait to follow your next chapter! You will do great things! 💚🦬

02/16/2023

Last Friday, our President's Council hosted our first ever meat raffle! There were 250 people in attendance and so much fun was had by all! Because of their efforts, proceeds from the meat raffle will help support 10 BISON scholars! 💚🦬

01/19/2023

Mark your calendars! It's open house season for WNY Catholic elementary schools! It's a great opportunity to explore something different for your child. All of our partner schools provide an environment where joy and love are felt, family and tradition are honored, and little human beings flourish—mind, body, and soul. Click on the link to see the complete list.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFXkSTXnBk/iPnRPk1c5Nyf1Xii_nz71w/view?utm_content=DAFXkSTXnBk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton #3

01/09/2023

Sean Kirst: For founder of clinic in South Sudan, rescue in blizzard built on Epiphany

Read this amazing story that ran in The Buffalo News over the weekend. We continue to hear incredible stories from last month’s blizzard and this one is no different. Fidele Dahn’s five children have been receiving BISON scholarships since 2017. They are a great family with a heartwarming story. We are so happy that Fidele was saved by these Good Samaritans!

https://buffalonews.com/news/local/sean-kirst-for-founder-of-clinic-in-south-sudan-rescue-in-blizzard-built-on-epiphany/article_b29ae058-8eb0-11ed-a2c4-0f5d822ac632.html -source=home-top-story

Lost in the Christmas weekend blizzard, Fidele Dhan was led to safety by a family who set out looking for him. Some of his rescuers offer this thought as both a fact and a point of wonder: He was saved, without question, because of the three kings.

12/30/2022

Happy New Year from BISON!

Thank you for sowing the seeds of a brighter future for thousands of children and their families. May the new year bring you peace, health, and happiness! https://conta.cc/3juLgLW

Here we come 2023! Thank you for sowing the seeds of a brighter future for thousands of children and their families. May the new year bring you peace, health, and happiness! On behalf of our Scholars

12/14/2022

Happy Holidays from BISON!

May your holidays be merry and bright! Consider the gift of an education this holiday season.

11/28/2022

This Cyber Monday and throughout the entire holiday season, shop Amazon Smile and donate to BISON by selecting our nonprofit at the top of your page. You can do all your holiday shopping and gift a child a chance to receive a quality education through one of our scholarships! Amazon Smile donates 0.5% of your total purchase to BISON!
1) Visit smile.amazon.com
2) Select The BISON SCHOLARSHIP FUND
3) Start shopping!

11/25/2022

Friday Fun Fact: This school year BISON is supporting families who reside in 106 different zip codes across the eight counties of Western New York!

11/23/2022

As we approach Thanksgiving, BISON is incredibly grateful for our friends and supporters who recognize the importance of our mission, allowing us to serve thousands of children across WNY this year. On behalf of the over 1,900 K-12 Scholars, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, joy and gratitude!

11/17/2022

Meet Gloria, a senior Gloria shared her story at our Annual Celebration Event held. She is a former BISON Scholar and currently receiving the John R. Oishei Scholarship. She loves her coding classes, playing the trumpet and plans to study environmental science in college. Gloria concluded her remarks with, "I also am extremely grateful to the BISON Fund for the amount of support my family was given to be able to afford such great educations, not only for me but also my siblings. It was a blessing and a game-changer for my family because we would never have had the opportunities we’ve had. These opportunities have made a lasting impact on our interests and work ethic. Thank you!"

We are so proud to support students like Gloria!

10/21/2022

We had a wonderful day yesterday celebrating BISON at our Annual Luncheon event! Check out this news clip from Channel 2 News! Thank you for covering our event!

https://www.wgrz.com/video/money/over-1-thousand-attend-bisons-children-scholarship-fund-luncheon/71-3ac2cb79-0a9f-4cfb-8fbe-22922919faf7

If you were unable to attend but would like to help support the over 1,900 K-12 students that receive BISON scholarships, please consider a gift by clicking on the link below. 💚

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/ENipTg?vid=v1k8f

10/20/2022

Can't attend our Celebration Luncheon today? You can still participate in our Day of Giving! Your dollars today will be matched up to $25,000. We have over 1,000 kiddos on our waitlist and your participation will help them receive the education they deserve! Please consider a gift! https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/ENipTg?vid=1l5cc