Sunshine Foundation®

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

2011-07-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-05-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

Print and bring this flyer to Chili's ChampionsGate in Davenport FL and Chili's will donate 10% of your purchase to Sunshine Foundation Dream Village! Every Monday and Tuesday between 11am - 11pm at this location during the entire month of May, will benefit the Sunshine Foundation with this flyer! 8180 Laura Ln, Davenport 33896 (I-4 exit 58). Pepper in Some Fun and See What a Dream Can Do!

2011-03-11T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Sunshine Foundation will be hosting its 2nd Annual Spring Family Fair at the Dream Village on Saturday, April 30th from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. This FREE, fun, family-friendly day will feature live animals, face-painting, games, prizes, raffles, plus use of the Dream Village's playground and miniature golf facilities and much, much more! Bring the kids and enjoy a fun-filled day at the enchanted Dream Village, set in a magical, fairy-tale environment and designed especially for children of all abilities. The Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Fire Department will also be on display.

The Sunshine Foundation answers the dreams of chronically ill, physically challenged and abused children. The Dream Village opened in 1990 the Four Corners area of central Florida near ChampionsGate and Reunion because the most requested dream of the seriously ill children is to visit the Orlando area theme parks. Over the last 20 years, more than 20,000 special children have visited the Dream Village. Please visit www.sunshinefoundation.org or call 800-457-1976 for more info. 5400 CR 547 N, (Dream Village Rd) Davenport, FL 33837.

April 2, 2011: Polk County Parks & Recreation 5th Annual ‘Ride for a Reason’ Poker Run

2011-02-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

Join Polk County Parks & Recreation as we host our 5th annual ‘Ride for a Reason’ Poker Run to Benefit ‘Sunshine Foundation Dream Village’. Registration and check-in begins at 10:00 a.m. and riders will depart from the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village in Davenport, FL at 11:00 am. Riders will use the maps provided to locate all five stops and the last bike in must arrive at the final stop by 4:00 p.m. All participants will receive a complimentary continental breakfast provided by the Sunshine Foundation.

Pre-registered riders will receive an event T-shirt. Early registration costs $15 for a single rider, $25 for a rider and a passenger. Riders registering the day of the event will pay $20 for a single rider, $30 for a rider and a passenger. Additional hands cost $5 each and additional T-shirts may be purchased for $10. In addition to the prize for best hand, participants are also eligible for door prizes and raffle drawings.

The pre-registration deadline is March 18th. Please contact Stephanie Glausser at Polk
County Parks & Recreation at 863- 534-4340 for more information

HONEYWELL AND REBUILDING TOGETHER POLK COUNTY RENOVATE THE SUNSHINE FOUNDATION’S DREAM VILLAGE

2011-01-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

WHAT: Honeywell and Rebuilding Together of Polk County will lead a community service project at the Sunshine Foundation’s Dream Village, a center for disabled children and families, in Davenport, Florida.

Honeywell donated more than $10,000 in materials and more than 60 Honeywell employees will volunteer their time to refurbish the community center. Renovations include painting the windmill cottage and cleaning and painting exterior chimneys of seven cottages in the village. The team will also make necessary repairs to the playground and lay sod throughout the grounds.
WHO: The following spokespeople will be available for interviews:

Curtis Dobler, Vice President of Human Resources, Honeywell Environmental Combustion and Controls

Alice Spivey, Executive Director Rebuilding Together Polk County
WHEN: Friday, January 21, 2011 1:00-5:00 p.m.

WHERE: 5400 County Road

547 North

Davenport, FL 33837
**Media will have video and photography access during the event and interviews can be arranged with Honeywell and Rebuilding Together volunteers.**

Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative, focuses on five areas: Family Safety & Security; Housing & Shelter; Science & Math Education, Humanitarian Relief and Habitat & Conservation. Together with leading public and nonprofit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please go to www.honeywell.com/hhs.
Rebuilding Together of Polk County’s mission is to bring volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need. Programs focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, veterans, active duty service member’s families and families with young children, as well as non-profits serving these communities. Rebuilding Together of Polk County started as Rebuild Polk After Disaster in the aftermath of the 2004 hurricanes. Since then, Rebuilding Together of Polk County has served over 1,500 clients in order to provide repairs and mitigation measures. Rebuilding Together of Polk County continues to make an impact in the community with the aid of sponsors, grants, and volunteers.
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Davenport Gives Back!

2010-10-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

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

Helping Hands Day - September 25 - Sunshine Foundation Dream Village

2010-07-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

Run 4 Dreams

2010-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

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.