On March 17, 2016, 12 finalists of the Advisors for Philanthropic Impact’s (API) Palm Beach County Philanthropy Think Tank will present their ideas to a panel of philanthropist/investors. One of those finalists will be awarded $15,000 along with help from the members of the think tank in making her idea become a reality. Benjamin’s own Madeline Caruso, a seventh grader, has been named a finalist and hopes to be the one whose project is chosen.

Madeline applied with the idea of setting up a program called “Seniors for Seniors.” The program would partner up service dogs who are too old to serve with senior citizens in nursing homes. “I thought of the idea just randomly, and thought it could really make these people happy,” explained Caruso. When the contest was announced at one of the Middle School’s Monday morning assemblies, Caruso became intrigued by the idea, filled out the application, and entered the contest. “I chose this charity project by seeing how many senior dogs are in the shelter through social media. After some thinking, my idea was born,” said Caruso.

Upper School English Teacher Ms. Mary Ditaranto met with Caruso, helping her put her idea down onto paper and get the application to the think tank. Ditaranto is one of the teachers on the board of the API. Ditaranto said the API was founded by “accountants, financial advisors, and investment bankers who work with wealthy clients and want to encourage them to use some of their monies to help promote philanthropic pursuits in young people.” In order to apply for this opportunity, Caruso had to write an essay explaining her idea and how she planned to accomplish her goal. Most of the program’s members are from the Palm Beach Area, so they decided to hold the “think tank” here.

Ms. Ditaranto came to the middle school to help Caruso answer the eleven questions on the API application. Caruso said that “was the hardest part,” and she “had an idea, but it was tough to put the answers [down onto paper].” Some difficult parts of the application were figuring out certain parts of the application such as the budget, and figure out how to use the money that would benefit her charity and her chance of winning. Most people that enter competitions can generally predict their probability of winning. “I feel as if I have a higher chance in winning” admits Caruso, “I am the only person doing a project involving animals.” Though she has a great confidence in her idea, she admits that there are other contestants that have very creative ideas, “I feel I am the middle of the pack,” says Caruso.

Of the twelve candidates, five are individuals and the largest team of fifteen members belongs to Rosarian Academy, according to the article “Nine Palm Beach County Student Investment Teams Go into Shark Tank” in the Palm Beach Post. Even if she doesn’t win, Caruso wants to continue Seniors for Seniors by any means she can. Considering her previous community service record, including CIT Camp at Benjamin, car washes for breast cancer awareness, making ornaments for a dog ranch, and many more, Caruso hopes to continue making a difference in the lives of many.