Fontbonne, The Early College of Boston, Gives Back to BMC

Maria Sarte, Dean of Mission Integration at Fontbonne, believes that values shape who students become. A Catholic, all-girls, college-preparatory high school and early college in Milton, Massachusetts, Fontbonne prepares young women to lead with confidence, integrity, and a commitment to service through a rigorous program focused on academic excellence and leadership.

Sarte says, “Our slogan at Fontbonne is ‘care for the dear neighbor without distinction,’ which aligns with Boston Medical Center’s mission.” After learning about the annual Adopt a Bee fundraiser that supports the hospital’s food-is-medicine programs, Sarte organized an educational field trip to BMC for her students.  

In October 2025, Sarte and a small group of Fontbonne students visited BMC’s Newmarket Rooftop Farm located at 960 Massachusetts Ave, where they learned about the diverse array of crops that supply BMC’s first-in-the-nation food pantry and solar panels that provide energy credits for patients. The group also visited BMC’s Preventive Food Pantry, where students learned about how patients receive free, fresh, and healthy food through a provider prescription. The group brought over 50 reusable bags that will be used to package groceries for patients visiting the food pantry. 

Inspired by their visit, Sarte plans to create a community fundraiser to encourage students to give back to their communities — especially through health equity initiatives. “This is my first introduction to BMC, but we definitely want to stay involved — especially in whole-person health initiatives,” she says. 

When asked if other Boston-area schools should get involved by creating their own community fundraiser at BMC, Sarte said: “They need to! BMC is the heart of a lot of people’s lives. There is no ‘us and them,’ we’re all ‘us.’”  

Anyone can combine their interests or talents with a passion for giving back by creating a fundraiser in support of Boston Medical Center. Learn more.