Camp Sunshine

A RETREAT FOR CHILDREN WITH LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES AND THEIR FAMILIES

Donor of the Month - December 2002

New England Key Clubs

The New England Key Clubs have done it again! Last year club members visited Camp Sunshine and overwhelmed everyone by donating more than $16,000. Once again the rather tight-lipped group, lead by Governor Rachel Paleafei, casually handed over a check during a recent Kawanis convention for a staggering $27,000.

The amount of the check presented clearly amazed even the Kawanis members in attendance. The ceremony was made even more spectacular with a compelling speech by 14 year old, Katie Gnadiek, a Lupus patient who visited Camp Sunshine this past summer with her family.

This extraordinary gift was compounded by a commitment to once again adopt Camp Sunshine as a charity of choice in 2003. The Key Clubs gift will support nearly 20 families at Camp Sunshine next summer.

The New England Key Clubs are part of the larger Kawanis family and began in Sacramento, California during the 1920’s. The High School service organization has become one of Camp Sunshine’s largest annual supporters. In addition to this incredible donation numerous clubs from New England and beyond have donated directly to Camp Sunshine and been the “Key” supporters of other large fundraising events.

Donor of the Month-November 2002

NEIL'S WHEELS

Irene and Neil Waldmann

Neil and Irene Waldmann first visited Camp Sunshine while vacationing in Maine on July 21, 2000. Inspired by what they saw they set out to create a Camp Sunshine Matchbox Car for sale to the public, to benefit the camp.

The original idea soon turned into a series of collectible matchbox cars that began with the Camp Sunshine Econoline Van, followed by the Camp Sunshine Golf Cart complete with bags and clubs. This fall Neil’s Wheels created what we all believe to be the best yet – a classic 1967 yellow and green Camp Sunshine Volkswagen Bus. Aiding in the production and design process since the beginning has been the Waldmann’s dear friend Bill Shisler at Colorcomp, Inc.

One of every model is actually sent to Everett Marshall, the owner of the Matchbox Road Museum. Additional copies are sent to Charlie Mack, owner of the Matchbox and Lesney Toy Museum, and author of many Matchbox books. We are also proud to say that Camp Sunshine’s Econoline Van was pictured in the most recent version of the Encyclopedia of Matchbox Toys. A final copy of each model is in the Mattel archives.

All profits from these great items go directly to benefit Camp Sunshine’s families. You could own the new Camp Sunshine Volkswagen Bus for just $14.95 at Neil’s Wheels. www.neilswheels.com

Donor of the Month-October 2002

JORDAN’S FAMILY FURNITURE FOUNDATION

Jordan's Furniture is truly the American epitome of a family business. Their success story began in 1928 when Barry and Eliot Tatelman’s grandfather Samuel opened a store in Waltham, Massachusetts and "Jordan's Furniture" was born. Shortly thereafter, with the help of Barry and Eliot's father Edward, the store began to prosper and grow.

Later, with the involvement of the two brothers, sales volumes increased dramatically, turning a local furniture store into a major retailer, with customers from all over New England. According to “Furniture Today,” Jordan’s has the #1 sales per square foot in the country. With their winning combination of great customer service, quality furniture at “under prices”, and fun-filled shopping, it’s no surprise “In Furniture Magazine” awarded Jordan’s “Best Store in the Biz” in December 2001.

Besides being leaders in the furniture business (and great entertainers), the Tatelmans and Jordan’s have a history of giving to the community. Throughout the years they have supported numerous charities, including Project Bread, the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless’ Furniture Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Head Start Programs, MA Adoption Resource Exchange, and a list of others too long to list here.

Support of Camp Sunshine by Barry Tatelman and Jordan’s Family Furniture Foundation began during our capital campaign. A group of Massachusetts volunteers set out to procure items to furnish the new campus. One volunteer solicited Jordan’s Furniture for mattresses to outfit the new campus. Barry and Eliot decided they would visit camp to see first hand the needs.

Their visit to Camp Sunshine immediately impressed upon them the importance of our program. Since that visit, Barry Tatelman and Jordan’s Family Furniture Foundation have donated a generous supply of furniture to outfit the professional residences at our new campus, and gave $30,000 to send 20 families to Camp Sunshine.

In the words of a family they sponsored this past week, “This year has taken its toll…being able to take this small break to Camp Sunshine in Maine has been a nice respite for our little girl. Thank you for this wonderful trip.” P.S. – “My daughter loves your IMAX Theater.”

To find out more about Jordan’s Furniture’s truly unique shopping experience, and to learn about their new IMAX Theater, visit: http://www.jordans.com/

Donor of the Month-September 2002

THE IRVING A. HANSEN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

Camp Sunshine is pleased to announce that for the ninth consecutive year the Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation has supported the labor of love that is Camp Sunshine.

The Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation was established by the Hansen family in 1983. It operates in memory of the late Irving A. Hansen, his son the late Irving A. Hansen, Jr. and his wife the late Elizabeth R. Hansen.

The Foundation commenced its support of Camp Sunshine in 1994 when the Capital Campaign to build the permanent Campus was launched. As a result of the generosity of the Foundation and upon the completion of the Campus in June 2001, a family living suite was named in its honor – "The Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation Living Suite."

This year’s $15,000 gift brings the total giving of the Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation to $76,000.

Camp Sunshine salutes the efforts and dedication of the Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation. From capital support to family sponsorships, the foundation continues to recognize the importance of the mission and the services it provides to children with life threatening illnesses and their families.

Donor of the Month-August 2002

THE RIDE FOR THE SON

Michael Edward Wolfe passed away six years ago at the age of ten. On July 17, 2002, Michael's father and friend Barbara Fogarty began a journey of a lifetime. A 3,600 mile cross country bike ride appropriately named, "A Ride for the Son" which entails a grueling 80 to 120 mile a-day ride for nearly two months.

To date the "Ride for the Son" has raised over $25,000. In the commitment to honor Michael JR's memory his very determined father is intent on raising $60,000 to fund an entire session here at Camp Sunshine.

The ride is already underway and Michael's dad and Barbara are on a mission that only the love of a child can create...pedaling forward, "Going the Distance."

Please take a minute to reflect. Put yourself on that bike and know with your support, the mountains Michael's dad will face might seem just a little smaller, and the prairies a little less desolate. Please help celebrate the life of Michael Edward Wolfe by clicking below.

Donor of the Month-July 2002

LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK TOYS "R" US CHILDREN'S FUND, INC

Supporting Camp Sunshine’s "Ray of Hope" Program for 9-11 Children and Their Families

This month we celebrate these three organizations for their generous contributions of $30,000, $30,000, and $25,000, respectively.

The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the grant making arm of Lions Clubs International (LCI). Its mission is to support the efforts of Lions clubs worldwide in serving their local communities and the world community as they carry out essential humanitarian services projects.

For years, Lions Clubs from Maine and beyond have collectively sponsored hundreds of children and families at Camp Sunshine. Their support of our program for children and families who lost loved ones in the tragic events of 9-11 is just one of their numerous contributions to the overall relief efforts. To learn about the many other ways in which they have responded to the tragedies of September 11, visit their website at www.lcif.org.

New to Camp Sunshine, the UJA-Federation of New York is an organization whose mission is to care for those in need, strengthen Jewish peoplehood, and foster Jewish renaissance in New York, in Israel, and throughout the world.

Guided by the principles of chesed (kindness) and tikun olam (repairing the world), the UJA-Federation of New York assists the poor, the elderly, families in need, and special populations, providing social and humanitarian services both in New York and around the world.

The gift from the UJA-Federation of New York was made possible with support from the Ted Arison Family Foundation.

Also new to Camp Sunshine is the Toys "R"US Children’s Fund, Inc. Established in November, 1992 and supported by Toys"R"Us and its numerous suppliers, the Fund provides grants to charities promoting the health and well-being of children. Children are important to Toys "R" Us and the Toys "R" Us Children's Fund continues to support charities that offer the promise of a happier, more fulfilling life for children everywhere.

Camp Sunshine thanks these three organizations for their contributions to the Ray of Hope Program, and the global community.

Donor of the Month-May 2002

2002 "First Annual" Rent-A-Husband®

High School Business Challenge to Benefit Camp Sunshine raises over $19,000!

Windham High receives the "Most Entrepreneurial Spirit Award."

For four months, students at six Maine high schools competed in the 2002 "First Annual" Rent-A-Husband® High School Business Challenge to benefit Camp Sunshine. Entrepreneur, businessman Kaile Warren, CEO/Founder of Rent-A-Husband, provided each school with a modest amount of seed money ($200). Each class was encouraged to increase that amount by any creative means possible - start a small business, hold a fundraising event, organize other groups in the school or community to assist - to basically, "pull out all the stops." All funds raised by the Challenge were earmarked to directly support children with life threatening illnesses at Camp Sunshine.

Kaile Warren, Gov. Angus King and Matt Hoidal.

The results are in, and the numbers are incredible:

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

The Hermon High School Key Club (pictured in front row). Hands up everybody!

All the students participating in the Challenge are truly winners. What a warm, fuzzy feeling to put smiles on the faces of very sick children who will learn that they’re coming to Camp Sunshine this summer! Because of the students’ tireless efforts, thirteen children with life threatening diseases and their entire families will receive the priceless gift of Family Sponsorship.

We extend our congratulations and heartfelt thanks to the students, their teachers, administration, corporate sponsors and of course, Kaile Warren.

Hermon High School was awarded a trophy for the "Most Funds Raised." (*Windham High School reported a $1,000.00 donation after the close of the contest.) Windham High School was awarded a trophy for the "Most Entrepreneurial Spirit."

If you would like to have your high school participate in the 2003 Rent-A-Husband® High School Business Challenge to Benefit Camp Sunshine, please contact Lynne Brannen at husband@rent-a-husband.com.

Donor of the Month-April 2002

Mary Jane and Dan Cashman

A Gift to Camp Sunshine’s Endowment Fund will keep the light shining in the future!

Thanks to a generous contribution from the Cashman/Rothweiler families, Camp Sunshine is delighted to name its amphitheater the "Stephanie Rothweiler Amphitheater" in honor of their Granddaughter/Daughter Steffi, who is diabetic, and who attends our wonderful Camp Sunshine.

It is their hope that the Camp Sunshine Endowment Fund will continue to grow and will keep its light shining in the future, as brightly as it has shone in the past, while continuing to serve so many needy children.

Donor of the Month-March 2002

The New Balance Foundation Continues to go the Distance for Camp Sunshine!

In 2002 New Balance, the leading manufacturer of high performance footwear and apparel, will once again lend their support to Camp Sunshine.

This year the New Balance Foundation has pledged up to $15,000 during our "Click-A-Thon" currently underway and running through March 26th. The 26.2 day event parallels a marathon. For every click New Balance will donation $1.00. The goal is to send 10 children with cancer and their families to Camp.

This will be the 3rd year that The New Balance Foundation has supported the Family Sponsorship Program. Last year the Foundation donated $10,500 to send 7 families to Camp, and donated $3,000 in 2000. The Foundation also equipped the Miracle Marathon team with running gear.

www.newbalance.com

Donor of the Month-February 2002

sponsored by:

Camp Sunshine is proud to have been chosen as one of the three beneficiaries of Shawnee Peak’s 7th Annual Charity Challenge. This year skiers and snowboarders came out to the mountain for a fun-filled night of skiing and racing under the stars. The event raised over $25,000 for Ronald McDonald House of Portland, ME, the Shawnee Peak Adaptive Ski Program, and Camp Sunshine. For those who have never been to the Peak, it’s a great mountain.

Special thanks to Downeast Energy and all other sponsors and donors who made this year’s event a success.

www.shawneepeak.com

Donor of the Month-January 2002

CARING IN SO MANY WAYS...

In December 2001, PharmaCare asked Camp Sunshine to mail Holiday Wishes to over 600 of their clients and associates. To honor their colleagues, PharmaCare made a donation of $10,000 to Camp Sunshine. Founded in 1994, PharmaCare, a wholly owned subsidiary of CVS Corporation, is one of the industry's fastest growing pharmacy benefit managers providing high quality, cost-effective prescription drug programs.

PharmaCare, with over 12 million covered lives, has proven success in managing pharmaceutical costs for large employer groups and managed care organizations. This was the first time PharmaCare became involved in supporting Camp Sunshine’s Program.

Thanks to the generosity of great companies like PharmaCare critically ill children and their families will continue to find relief at Camp Sunshine.

 
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