By DENISE MOE
For the Reporter
At the recent 4:30 Meetup, Synergize made a massive impact for a great cause. The growing professional group raised $7,725, which it will directly donate to Best Buddies. The nonprofit impact was chosen in honor of Brian Bondus, one of the group’s members, who passed away in August.
(From left) Axia Techonology V.P. Jason Ulm, Destination Regen Owner Bryndon Preston, and Indy Auto Man G.M. Victor Figlin address the group at Synergize’s latest 4:30 Meetup. (Reporter photo by Denise Moe)
Best Buddies is an organization that pairs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with a non-disabled “buddy.” The two then cultivate a one-to-one friendship. The organization also finds stable jobs, fosters leadership development, and provides inclusive living opportunities for people with IDD.
“As a parent of a child with special needs, you worry about them missing out on deep, meaningful friendships,” said Ashley Lee, a Best Buddies representative who spoke at the event. “Seeing Brian and his best buddy gave me so much hope for my own daughter.”
A Carmel native, Bondus was active in the community and a valued friend to many. He was a lifelong volunteer with Best Buddies and a contributor to many other organizations. Synergize knew him as a founding member, generous with his time and resources and always the life of the party.
“[Brian] was instrumental in starting this organization,” said Mayor Jim Brainard at last month’s Synergize Impact Rally. “His humor and his enthusiasm for life in this city will have ripples of impact that last for a long time.”
Synergize’s year-to-date impact is $77,344.
Synergize members Liz Taylor and Tara Stanton cheer for the speakers. (Reporter photo by Denise Moe)
By redefining ROI as Ripples of Impact, Synergize hopes to change the way professionals think about working relationships. The group’s environment encourages members to build lifelong friendships that create community impact.
This month’s impact was a direct example of the group’s heart. Originally, the event was going to benefit Round 2 Ministries, an organization run by Synergize members Erik and Kristin Richards. Their new nonprofit guides Christians who are entering their second marriages.
This month, though, the Richards family wanted to honor Bondus by giving up their impact to benefit Best Buddies.
“It truly speaks to the kind of people that they are and the hearts that they have,” said Tara Stanton, wife of founder Arron Stanton, at the event. “And it speaks to the impact that Brian had on all of us.”
Next month, the 4:30 Meetup’s beneficiary is the Indianapolis Zoo. First-time attendees are welcome to purchase a guest ticket on Eventbrite and join Synergize for an evening of impact.
About Synergize
The mission of Synergize is to develop a group giving selfless individuals the opportunity to meet in complete harmony, led by the motive to build transformational relationships with one another and produce ripples that positively change the world. The only rule? No jerks! Learn more at synergizeindy.com.