The "Bonnie Blue" Foundation was created to honor and continue the work of its triumphant name sake, Francesca “Bonnie” Consalvo.
Bonnie and her Husband The Honorable Commendatore Gennaro Consalvo, along with The Columbus Day Committee of Atlantic City, devoted endless and tireless hours for the educational advancement of young adults in our Italian Community. What started as fundraiser for the committee in 1967, The Miss Columbus Day Pageant grew into one of the largest scholarship programs for young women in New Jersey.
For 37 years Bonnie Consalvo was the Executive Director of The Miss Columbus Day Scholarship Pageant. She mentored and inspired young ladies towards scholastic achievement and eventually towards what would become the quest for the Miss America Crown.
Bonnie’s greatest joy were her three girls Rosanna, Giovanna, and Giulietta. The three never left Bonnie's side, especially during Pageant week where they would assist their Mother in all aspects of production. In 1984 her dream came true when Miss Columbus Day Suzette Charles became Miss New Jersey and eventually was crowned Miss America. Through the years she has adopted many young women who held the prestigious title of Miss Columbus Day and welcomed them into her family for life.
In 2004 when Bonnie died, The Torch was passed to her eldest daughter Rosanna Consalvo Sarto and the tradition has surpassed itself for she has produced 2 Miss New Jerseys back to back:
Ashley Fairfield Miss Columbus Day 2008 became Miss New Jersey 2008 and Ashley Shaffer Miss Columbus Day 2009 became Miss New Jersey 2009.
Bonnie's daughters now run The Miss Columbus Day Scholarship Pageant in the tradition of their mother, along with The Miss Atlantic County Scholarship Pageant as a “Double Crown” event.
Our goal at The “Bonnie Blue” Foundation is to continue to strive towards Bonnie’s approach in life which was to bring out the best in yourself with grace and kindness; to be true to yourself and always lend a helping hand.
Bonnie believed in the little things that you do for a person could make the biggest difference.
“It’s the small link in the chain of events that changes the course of your life”.