Assistance Program Raises Nearly $20,000

The St. Bonaventure Department of Athletics, in conjunction with University Ministries, has collected nearly $20,000 as part of the Wilson Family Assistance Program for freshman women's basketball player Tatiana Wilson.

University officials established the fund last month to help Wilson's family, whose house in Far Rockaway, Queens, was destroyed by fire early in the morning Dec. 13.

University Ministries accepted almost $19,000 in cash and checks and nearly $1,000 in gift cards. Additionally, 15 large boxes containing clothes, toiletries and other supplies were donated to the family.

"I want to thank the St. Bonaventure University and Olean communities from the bottom of my heart for all their support and contributions to our family over the past month," Temeka Wilson, Tatiana's mother, said. "Our family is very blessed to be alive, and the generosity and kindness of those who helped outside of western New York is also very much appreciated. We are extremely grateful for all donations, phone calls and well-wishes that were made, and I just want to say 'thank you' one more time."

Wilson's mother and five younger siblings jumped from their second-story home into the arms of New York City Sanitation Department workers, who saw the flames from a distance and called 911. Temeka broke her back while trying to escape, sister Amari, 12, suffered a broken leg and sister Shaina, 17, suffered third-degree burns. The family lost everything in the fire.

For those who would still like to donate to the family, cash/checks may be mailed to the following address:

University Ministries
c/o Wilson Family Assistance Program
Thomas Merton Center
St. Bonaventure, N.Y. 14778

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