Tobin Beta Alpha Psi Students Build Connection with Bangalore Orphanage
Inspired by Goldman Sachs’ presence in Bangalore, India, members of the Kappa Zeta Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor society at St. John’s University's Staten Island Campus, donated a shipment of stuffed animals to Bangalore’s Abilashrayam Orphanage, demonstrating the Vincentian spirit of compassion and zeal for service. By teaming up with Goldman Sachs and Build-A-Bear Workshop, the honors students were able to ensure that each child received a custom-made teddy bear in addition to a monetary donation towards their education. “The partnerships we developed with Goldman Sachs, Build-A-Bear, Buffalo Wild Wings, Abilashrayam Orphanage, various organizations on campus and other members of the community really speak volumes about how good causes can really bring together all walks of life. From simply listening to a guest speaker’s experiences to putting together an international service event, we believe the members of our chapter have a newfound understanding of global issues and the impact a small gesture like a teddy bear can have on the life of a child," notes Avneet Nagra, Beta Alpha Psi director of public relations
Through February and March, the students raised funds by holding a bake sale, by creating a gofundme.com page, and by inviting family and friends to participate. Donors were also encouraged to include a personal note to each recipient to accompany the gifts. Their “Building Bears for Bangalore” Initiative was entered in this year’s Beta Alpha Psi Atlantic Coast Regional Meeting competition and the team placed second in the international impact category, with team members Frank Califano, Cristina Church, Michael Kroczynski, Mikel Kushi, and Avneet Nagra.
As the bears bring great joy to the children of Bangalore’s Abilashrayam Orphanage, the students of Beta Alpha Psi are enjoying their own sense of joy and accomplishment. Frank Califano, Tobin student and Beta Alpha Psi vice president, reflected on the experience “we are positive that we have made a lasting impact on the city of Bangalore, India through their youngest citizens. Our small chapter has benefited greatly by giving each member a new global outlook they can tack on to the other many benefits of being a part of Beta Alpha Psi. This is something we are truly proud of.”
