For his 10th birthday, Max Bonnstetter wants something more than presents.
After seeing Duke basketball players visiting patients at Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center on behalf of nonprofit organization The Monday Life, Bonnstetter decided to ask family and friends for donations to The Monday Life instead of gifts on Mar. 8—the second year in a row that he has decided to forgo presents for donations.
“You feel good when you get presents from friends and family, but the real gift is giving to other people and making them feel good,” Bonnstetter said.
Last year The Monday Life raised money for music therapy, but this year, money raised will help refurbish Coach K Court and build a playground, said Bonnstetter's mother, Katherine Johnson, Trinity '93.
One of the recent publicity efforts for the “Restore the Court” fundraising campaign caught Bonnstetter's eye. Joey McMahon, Trinity ’09, founder of The Monday Life, made a video with Rasheed Sulaimon that ends with Sulaimon losing to a patient.
“That sold Max, because he is a basketball fanatic,” Johnson said.
Bonnstetter noted that he was also inspired to raise money by a friend of his who raises money for a charity that sends soccer equipment to underprivileged kids.
“I just thought that was amazing, and I said ‘Why don’t I try it?’” Bonnstetter said.
Bonnstetter raised $440 at his birthday last year, but has his sights set on a higher goal this year. He has already raised $1,050 and hopes to reach $2,000.
“It started out as $1000 but the donations kept going higher and higher, so I just thought I’d raise it,” Bonnstetter said.
Bonnstetter added that he is excited to attend Coach K’s Basketball camp this summer. His mom said that they will build in a trip to visit the basketball court.
He noted that he appreciates his life and knows how lucky he is to be healthy. His friend is currently battling a brain tumor that requires many hospital visits.
“I feel so lucky that…I can do it on my own,” Bonnstetter said.
Bonnstetter participates in all-star basketball and baseball teams, as well as drama and academics. He hopes his grades and basketball skills will earn him admission to the University.
“My whole life, I’ve been ready for it,” Bonnstetter said.
Bonnstetter is an avid Duke basketball fan, and says that watching the games with his mom is important to him.
“She’s a big fan, just like I am,” Bonnstetter said.
Johnson said she is incredibly proud of her son and thinks it’s important that he takes the time to think about other people.
“To forgo gifts, particularly on your 10th birthday…says a lot about his character,” Johnson said.
Bonnstetter says he shares some of the credit with his mother.
“I think my mom kind of helped me a little bit too,” he said.
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