Davenport Gives Back!

The 2nd Annual Davenport Gives Back charity fair takes place on Saturday, October 23rd from Noon until 2am at the Shamrock Pub & Grille in Davenport, FL. All net proceeds benefit the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village to help answer dreams of chronically ill, physically challenged and abused children.

Help the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village receive $50,000 Pepsi Grant!

http://www.refresheverything.com/dreamvillage

Please VOTE DAILY and share the link on your facebook page, with friends, family and co-workers!

Together we can help the Dream Village receive funding to refresh the fairy-tale cottages with new carpet, windows, furniture and TV's.  Thank you for your support!

Pepsi Refresh Everything grant. Please vote everyday between 9/1/2010 and 9/30/2010.

Sunshine Foundation® Dream Village celebrates 20 years, 20,000 dreams and the support of volunteers

Sunshine Foundation® Dream Village celebrates 20 years, 20,000 dreams and the support of volunteers

Helping Hands Day - September 25 - Sunshine Foundation Dream Village

Volunteers and Donations needed to help restore the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village back to its original beauty! Join us on Saturday September 25th from 8am to 4pm.  Contact Laura.McLoughlin@moneycorp.com for a list of needed materials and/or volunteer opportunities. Together, we can all make a difference to this wonderful Village that has welcomed more than 20,000 seriously ill and abused children over the last 20 years!

Day of Sunshine June 21st

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sunshine Foundation Dream Village
5400 CR 547 North ● Davenport, FL 33837
Phone: (800) 457-1976 ● Fax (863) 424-9105
http://www.sunshinefoundation.org/
For more information, contact:
Rich Mergo, Director of Development
rmergo@sunshinefoundation.org

Sunshine Foundation Takes Advantage of the Longest Day of Sunshine
to Answer the Dreams of Chronically Ill Children From Coast to Coast
The Foundation Launches “Day of Sunshine” June 21, 2010

The Sunshine Foundation announces “Day of Sunshine,” a national event to raise awareness and funding to answer the dreams of chronically ill children. This event will take place on June 21, 2010, the first day of summer and the longest day of sunshine. “Day of Sunshine” will dawn with the Foundation’s Text2Give mobile giving donation drive, (Text SUN to 85944 to donate $5), include the unveiling of the Foundation’s colorful new logo, and feature the planting of sunflowers throughout the Country in honor of the special joy that children bring to our lives.

The Sunshine Foundation is the original wish granting organization, founded in 1976, with a mission to answer the dreams of chronically ill, physically challenged and abused children ages three to eighteen. Serving children throughout the United States, the Sunshine Foundation is the only national children’s charity that does not limit its services to children who are terminally ill or have life threatening illnesses. After answering more than 34,000 dreams, the organization has a new vision to more than double the number of dreams answered over the next five years from 316 to 700 children served per year. The children’s program receives 84.6% of Sunshine’s donations.

The Foundation’s most requested dream features Central Florida’s Dream Village, owned and operated by the Sunshine Foundation. Each week families stay at the Dream Village during their visit to the theme parks. Because the most requested dream of the children is to go to Disney World, SeaWorld and/or Universal Studios, the Dream Village opened in 1990. The Village sets on 22 acres just 15 miles from Disney World and features nine fairytale-themed cottages, a handicap accessible playground, wheelchair compatible Olympic-sized swimming pool and a miniature golf course.

“The Day of Sunshine plans to involve the media across the country, as well as families and supporters of the Sunshine Foundation, corporate partnerships and the general public on behalf of the almost 100 children waiting for their dreams to be realized,” says Kate Sample, Foundation President. “Our goal is that through awareness and our text2give campaign, we can answer the dreams of at least fifteen children on our waiting list, representing one child per hour of sunshine on June 21.”

For more information, contact Rich Mergo, Director of Development at (800) 457-1976, rmergo@sunshinefoundation.org or visit www.sunshinefoundation.org

Eco-Fest 2010

Eco-Fest 2010 was held to educate Haines City Walmart customers about “Going Green”. Karen Nugent, Walmart Green Team’s captain, had numerous companies on hand to educate the public about the environment, conservation and healthier living. The Walmart Green Team sold eco-friendly products and plants.

A Hotdog Wagon was also on hand to raise funds for the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village. Approximately $400.00 was raised to purchase towels, face towels and wash clothes, twin and queen sheets and comforters. The Green Team came out for a tour of the Dream Village and to present Gail Dillon, Development Associate, the towels and linens for the cottages.

The Sunshine Foundation Dream Village hosted their first family in 1990, a little boy named Jimmy whose dream was to come to the central Florida theme parks. Since then, more than 20,000 special children have visited the Dream Village. The Sunshine Foundation answers dreams of chronically ill, physically challenged and abused children ages 3 to 18 years of age. Last year 84.6% of every dollar raised went towards the children’s programs of the Sunshine Foundation. Because of businesses like Walmart hosting special fundraisers for us, more dreams can be answered for our seriously ill children. For more information please call 800-457-1976 or visit www.sunshinefoundation.org.

Surprises for Jacob

Jacob had many special surprises when he went to Universal Studios on his Dream Come True trip. He was able to have a private meet and greet with all the super heroes and get a special picture with them. Getting to meet Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss was his absolute favorite. Jacob is 9 years old from Windsor, MD. He has shaken baby syndrome. Jacob’s mom, Joy Bezel said, “We sincerely hope more children get the opportunity to feel as special as you made Jake feel. Jake had lots and lots of laughs, smiles, and kicking (that’s how he boogies and dances).”  




As the Dream Village celebrates its 20th anniversary, help us to answer the dreams of more children like Jacob. Currently there are over 100 children waiting for their dream to come true. The Sunshine Foundation answers dreams to chronically ill, physically challenged and abused children ages 3 to 18. For more information about the Sunshine Foundation please visit www.sunshinefoundation.org or call 800-457-1976.

Earth Day Celebration at Dream Village

The Sunshine Foundation’s Dream Village is receiving a landscaping make-over today thanks to Austin Outdoor. This day of service, celebrating Earth Day, was organized by Beau Wright and Paulo Paternes. Plants were donated by Medallion Nursery and mulch provided by Bolling Forest Products. The Dream Village lost many plants from its lush landscaping during the recent winter freeze. Wanda Curtis, Property Manager and Family Liaison said “We truly appreciate Austin Outdoor for helping improve the appearance of the Dream Village for the special children served by the Sunshine Foundation, and especially before our Spring Family Fair on May 1st”.


The Sunshine Foundation answers the dreams of chronically ill, physically challenged and abused children. The Dream Village opened in 1990 near Disney World because the most requested dream of the seriously ill children is to visit the Orlando area theme parks.

Over the last 20 years, 20,000 special children have visited the Dream Village. Please visit www.sunshinefoundation.org or call 800-457-1976 for more info.

Spring Family Fair

Run 4 Dreams

This is year two of Gary’s Run 4 Dreams, one man’s quest to raise funds to help answer the dreams of the seriously ill children served by the Sunshine Foundation. On Saturday May 15, 2010, Gary Batty, a member of the Saint Cloud Pavement Pounders, will be running a 50-mile Ultra-marathon in the Florida Keys. Gary is also a volunteer and member of the Development Council for the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village near Disney World. The Dream Village is a magical 22-acre resort nestled in a fairytale setting designed especially for children with disabilities whose one true dream is to visit the central Florida theme parks. The Sunshine Foundation is the original wish granting organization and answers the dreams of very special children from all over the United States who are chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused.



Numerous Sponsorship opportunities are available to help Gary reach his goal of $5,000. Please call 800-457-1976 or visit http://www.giveforward.org/Run4Dreams to make a donation.

High Five with Sunshine and the Philadelphia 76ers!

High Five with Sunshine and The Philadelphia 76ers!

Don't miss the chance to support Sunshine and enjoy a 76ers game for only $20.00!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

12:30 p.m. High Five*

Purchase Discounted Tickets at http://www.sunshinefoundation.org/

Follow High Five with the 76ers link, Use Promo Code: 512SUNF (all caps)
Sales of tickets benefit Sunshine Foundation and saves you between 50 - 60% off regularly priced 76ers tickets!

* For discounted rates use promo code: 512SUNF (all caps)

Hurry and get your tickets now. Seats are limited!

Alice and Gaven are two of the Sunshine children who will be high fiving the 76ers. Please join us at the game to cheer for Sunshine's wonderful children!

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Sunshine Foundation are teaming up to help some of our special kids have a memorable moment at the Wachovia Center. On Saturday, April 3rd, children from Sunshine will have an opportunity to high five the team as they come out onto the court to play against the Toronto Raptors at 1p.m. The high five event will be during pre-game at 12:40 p.m.

You can be apart of the excitement and support Sunshine in raising funds to make our children’s dreams come true. For every discounted ticket purchased, $5 will go to the Sunshine Foundation. Tickets for the upper level will be $20 and lower level seats tickets will be $35.

Nicholas spots Jiminy Cricket

Nicholas (5 years old) arrived full of energy. He ran into his room of the Lighthouse Cottage and his eyes lit up as he spotted Jiminy Cricket. He immediately grabbed him and started jumping up and down on the bed. Jiminy Cricket just happens to be his favorite Disney character. Nicholas decided to take a dip in the handicap-accessible pool at the Dream Village when his older brother wanted to swim. Both Nicholas and his 7 year old brother have severe Autism. Their sister Alissa, Aunt Linda and Mom also came down from Harleysville, PA for their dream-come-true trip. They experienced one day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, one at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and one at SeaWorld.


Please help answer the dream of a child like Nicholas. The Sunshine Foundation serves children who are chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged or abused. Please call us at 863-424-4188 or 800-457-1976 or visit www.sunshinefoundation.org to find out how you can help.

Moose on Bikes for Sunshine!

A total of 70 Moose Riders from Haines City participated in a Poker Run for the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village recently. They had 5 stops at member’s homes: Stop #1 was at Gary and Maggie Cassen, Stop #2 was at Walt and Karen Crosthwaite, Stop #3 was at Billy and Marsha Jones, Stop #4 was at Wormy & Beth Shelnutt and the last stop was at Dave and Diana Schwartz. Representatives from the Florida Bermuda Moose on Bikes District 20 presented a check to Rich Mergo, Director of Development, for $1,200.00. They also enjoyed a tour of the Dream Village and its fairytale themed cottages. .



The Sunshine Foundation answers dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children. For more information on how you, your company or group can help the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village as we Celebrate 20 Years, contact Gail Dillon at 800-457-1976 or visit www.sunshinefoundation.org.

Pictured: from left to right Jennifer Blanksers, Treasurer; Becky McCumber, Secretary; Rick Fain, Road Captain; Janice Raeder, Sgt. At Arms; Cindi Sanders, Chairman; Donnie Beasley; Rich Mergo, Dream Village Director of Development (not pictured Jerry Raeder, Vice Chairman).

A CHILD OF FEW WORDS

Lauren Szabados, (18) arrived from Madison, Ohio with her mother Nancy. She has a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. Mom said, “If not for the Sunshine Foundation, the trip to Disney would never have happened. We were totally refreshed and happy to know that my child had a fantastic time. Lauren is a child of few words but her face tells it all, it lit up several times. Laughing is good for the soul and this week that is all our family did.” Lauren enjoyed two days at Disney World and one day at Universal Studios.


The Sunshine Foundation is the original wish granting organization founded in 1976. The Dream Village broke ground in 1989 and the first family arrived on Feb. 27th, 1990. Approximately 20,000 dreams and 20 years ago we can still visualize the first family, Jimmy, a four year old little boy diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Upon entering the children’s bedroom in our first cottage and seeing the walls painted with big oak trees with squirrels, owls, birds and other little forest animals sitting on its branches, shouted with glee “Mommie, mommie, I wuv it! I wuv it!”

The Sunshine Foundation answers dreams to chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children ages 3 to 18. Help us to make our 20th year the best year ever and lower the amount of children on the waiting list. Currently the waiting list has over 200 special children. Will you be a Dream Maker? To learn how you or your company can help make more dreams come true, please visit www.sunshinefoundation.org or call 800-457-1976. See What a Dream Can Do…

TWENTY YEAR CELEBRATION

20 years ago, a magical and enchanted village opened in central Florida for children suffering from chronic illnesses, physical challenges and the pain of abuse. Since then, more than 20,000 of these special children have visited the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village. The Sunshine Foundation is the original wish granting organization founded in 1976. When asked the simple question, “If you could have one dream, what would it be?” the majority of the children we serve wish for a trip to visit the central Florida theme parks: Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios. Because of the overwhelming number of these requests, the Dream Village opened in 1990 as a place for our families to relax each night after a full day of fun and excitement in the parks.

Each cottage in the enchanted Dream Village has a fairy-tale theme especially designed for children. The 22 acre resort also includes a playground, pool and putt-putt golf; all handicapped-accessible. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are seeking corporations that can help upgrade the facilities. Some items on our “dream list” include: improve landscaping, re-paint main office building, new TV’s and games in each cottage, replace windows, upgrade pool systems, and help to create the fishing pond area. For a complete list and/or other 20th Anniversary opportunities, please contact Gail Dillon at gdillon@sunshinefoundation.org or 800-457-1976.

http://www.sunshinefoundation.org/ See What a Dream Can Do…

Cocoa Beach to Clearwater Beach 1st Annual Coast to Coast Solo Run

Gerhard Treviranus from Campbell City , FL and member of the St. Cloud Pavement Pounders running club, recently accomplished an amazing feat. He ran from Cocoa Beach to Clearwater Beach , only stopping to eat and change clothes. The run took 67 hours to complete, through the rain, wind and cold. Gerhard accepted pledges and donations all to help increase funding and awareness for the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village in Davenport , FL.

What we accomplished this weekend I think shows everyone, even a handyman who is just an average runner can, with the right support, accomplish great things” said Gerhard. Many of his friends and other members of the running club accompanied and/or checked in on him throughout the run, giving him moral support, making him laugh, and helping him to finish. “The moral of this story is; if you have friends by your side, anything is possible”






Gerhard raised $775 with his first run for the Sunshine Foundation. One of Gerhard’s friends who supported him along the way, Gary Batty, also a member of the St. Cloud Pavement Pounders, will be running a marathon in the Florida Keys in May to benefit the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village .



The Dream Village is celebrating 20 years and 20,000 dreams answered of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children. The Dream Village houses the children whose only wish is to visit the Central Florida theme parks. For more information call 863-424-4188 or visit www.sunshinefoundation.org.