Friday, July 8, 2011

Universal Orlando Foundation Adopts a Cottage at Sunshine Foundation Dream Village for Chronically Ill and Abused Children

Davenport, FL The Universal Orlando Foundation has adopted one of the nine themed cottages at the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village.  This funding will allow Sunshine Foundation to send more children from its waiting list to the Dream Village.

The $30,000 grant will also give Universal Orlando Foundation an opportunity to brand one of the special cottages, and will increase volunteer opportunites for Universal Orlando employees at the Dream Village.

“We are thankful for the generous support from Universal Orlando! Their commitment to making dreams come true for our seriously ill children is truly appreciated” said Wanda Curtis, Family and Property Manager at the Dream Village.

Sunshine Foundation's sole purpose is to answer the dreams of chronically ill, physically challenged and abused children ages three to eighteen, whose families cannot fulfill their requests due to the financial strain that the child's illness may cause.  We answer the dreams of children that do not qualify for other wish granting organizations that require a life-threatening diagnosis.

Most of the children we serve wish to visit the Central Florida theme parks and attractions when asked the simple question: “If you could have one dream, what would it be?” Since this has been the #1 dream request every year, the Dream Village was built 1988-1989 and officially opened in January 1990.  The Dream Village is a 22-acre resort nestled in a fairy tale setting and offers amenities and activities, all specially designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and other special needs.  Each cottage has a unique and magical theme designed especially for children.

To learn more about the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village, visit the website, www.sunshinefoundation.org, or contact Rich Mergo, Director of Development, at 863-424-4188 or 800-457-1976.

Pictured from L-R in attachment:
Dream Village Advisory Council Members: Anthony Mitchell, Paul & Kim Ferguson, Sunnie the Sunshine Panther, Dreamer: Blake Lindsey & her family, Larry, Summer, Levi (from Auburndale, FL), Universal Orlando Foundation rep: Valerie Read, Dream Village staff: Rich Mergo and Wanda Curtis.

Oversized check generously provided by: Sign-A-Rama Kissimmee.