Written & Photographed By Megin Potter

Photos Provided

As first-generation entrepreneurs, Sonny and Julie Bonacio hit the ground running. In 1988, they founded Bonacio Construction, and have since reached great heights of success building the Capital Region’s skyline while also dedicating significant portions of their wealth, time, and expertise to charitable causes that are shaping the local landscape.

Best known for their mixed-use, commercial, and custom luxury residential projects, Bonacio Construction’s team of 150+ skilled professionals have made the Bonacio name synonymous with buildings that leave a lasting impact. In addition to being President of Bonacio Enterprise, in 2015, Julie established her own successful brokerage firm, Julie & Co. Realty.

In the decade since, the Bonacios’ three children grew up in Saratoga and have now joined the family business. This is a family that means business, but they also like to have fun. Their altruistic acts, including volunteering and financial gifts, joyfully foster connection and drive long-term solutions.

Saratoga Hospital 
Gala fundraiser

GENERATING GLEEFUL GALAS

Long before Gianna Bonacio became Bonacio’s Business Development and Project Manager, she was just a kid riding with her dad through downtown Saratoga, surprised when he pointed out the buildings that her family’s company had built, learning the importance of active compassion early on.

“Giving back and philanthropy were always a big part of our family and we attended different events all summer long,” remembers Gianna. One of her earliest memories is of going to the annual Saratoga Hospital Gala.

For the last decade, Bonacio Construction and Julie & Co. Realty have been major sponsors of the event. Julie served on the Saratoga Hospital Foundation Board and was in the Gala Planning Committee for 17 years. During the last four, Gianna has also been a member of the committee helping to plan this fundraising event. “My favorite part of the Hospital gala is the live auction itself – it’s so invigorating and exciting the day of, after seeing all the work that goes into it, and how it all comes together.” Last year was the highest grossing live auction in the Gala’s history. In an unforgettable auction experience, the guests’ record-breaking generosity netted a remarkable $495,000 to support community health.

This year is the 44th Annual Gala, that, with its Great Saratoga Clambake theme at the Saratoga Casino Hotel’s Polo Meadow, and array of live auction items, promises to put the “fun” in fundraising like never before.

Sonny and Julie Bonacio

HERALDING HISTORIC HOMES
The organizations that the Bonacios support span a wide array of sectors, and their contributions occur quite organically, said Gianna.

In May, they helped build porches in Wilton with Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and displayed the spectacular re-envisioning of an iconic property, The Waldorf, at 122 Regent Street, during the Saratoga Preservation Foundation’s annual Historic Homes Tour. The design of The Waldorf model unit’s kitchen, inspired by Gianna’s own travels through Lisbon, Portugal, blends contemporary style with traditional lines for show-stopping results. In addition to their other contributions, members of the Bonacio family were there supporting the event in smaller ways, too - handing out water bottles, picking up flowers, and lending a helping hand wherever it was needed. 

Sponsor a Scholar fundraiser

SUPPORTING HOUSING SERVICES
Among their most notable recent projects, the Bonacios provided financial support and resources to the construction of the RISE Adelphi Street Shelter, the county’s first year-round, low-barrier, 24-hour shelter. “We attended a luncheon where individuals shared heartfelt letters expressing their gratitude for the shelter. Hearing their stories made me realize just how meaningful our collective efforts can be when Saratoga community members, businesses, and the city come together to address complex challenges,” said Gianna.

She helped coordinate the donation of existing furniture, linens, towels and restaurant equipment from the former Longfellows, now the Brookmere Saratoga, a Mariott Tribute property by Bonacio Development, to local organizations including RISE, Shelters of Saratoga, Business for Good, and others in the community.

The construction for RISE’s HOMEBASE therapeutic community center was completed earlier this year, and an event thanking its supporters, including Congressman Paul Tonko, is planned this summer.