Camp Sunshine

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

Donor of the Month - Dece

mber 2003

THE KATZENBERGER FOUNDATION

Nearly a Decade of Support

In 1995, The Katzenberger Foundation forged a relationship with Camp Sunshine and its founders when they made an initial gift to the Capital Campaign to build our much-needed year-round Campus. Every consecutive year thereafter, The Foundation has continued its generous support.

Understanding the importance of our mission and the services that Camp Sunshine could provide with a permanent home, The Katzenberger Foundation committed $40,000 to the underwriting of The Katzenberger Foundation Family Suite.

Since the fulfillment of their pledge in 2000, The Katzenberger Foundation has donated an additional $40,000 to help assure the continued growth of the Program. This brings their grand total to $80,000.

The Katzenberger Foundation’s commitment to very sick children with life-threatening illnesses and their families has been vital to the continued growth of our Program. Because of The Foundation’s generosity, we have been able to reach out to even more families who dearly need our services.

On behalf of our past and future Camp Sunshine children, we are deeply grateful to The Katzenberger Foundation for its support of nearly a decade.

Donor of the Month - November 2003

The Berlin City Open

In 1998, Chris Ward, the Berlin City Open organizer decided to take his and his co-workers passion for golf and create an event that would help support local children in need. Their search quickly brought them to Camp Sunshine where to date they have raised over $28,000 for Camp Sunshine.

What makes this year’s event so spectacular is that in addition to raising $7,000 through the support of many great local companies, Berlin City then stepped up and matched the event’s total. An incredible $14,000 was raised this year - enough to allow 10 families to participate in one of next years 20 sessions.

Berlin City one of New England's fastest growing automotive companies. Their network of 16 new car franchises, in 4 dealership locations, spans Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont and offers some of the most sought after new and pre-owned vehicles on the market today!

The first class event which has gained support throughout New England features a $5,000 putting contest, $1,000,000.00 hole-in-one contest, as well as a steak and lobster dinner for participants.

Camp Sunshine would like to thank everyone at Berlin City Motors for their tireless commitment to helping children all across the northeast.

If you would like more information on this event or to find out how your business can help contact the Camp Sunshine office at (207) 655-3800

Donor of the Month - October 2003

THE MAINE JET RALLY

It was high-flying fun as model plane owners from across the United States and Canada converged on Biddeford, Maine. The two-day event attracted some of the top “aces” in North America who entertained spectators with their amazing acrobatic flying skills.

The scale model jets are capable of speeds in excess of 200 m.p.h. and have flying ranges of more than two miles. Over forty pilots and a thousand spectators joined in the weekend’s festivities.

Show highlights included demonstrations of scale model cars, model helicopters, and a “flyby” from a real jet. Additionally, if there wasn’t enough to for the kids already, a small plane dropped numbered ping-pong balls onto a field for kids to collect and exchange for prizes. Since the inception of this event in 1999 it has gained quite a following. The event organizers saw the number of spectators at the event grow dramatically over the past few years and decided that this year they would turn the event into a fundraiser. Well it turned into a great day for everyone including Camp Sunshine who was the beneficiary of a $3,000 gift. Camp Sunshine would like to thank the organizers and the Biddeford Municipal Airport for their support. If your involved in a special event that could help send more ill children and their families to Camp Sunshine contact our office at (207) 655-3800.

Donor of the Month - September 2003

THE PENOBSCOT PADDLE & CHOWDER SOCIETY'S “TAYLOR PELOTTE SURF-A-THON” RAISES MORE THAN $15,000 FOR CAMP SUNSHINE

On August 2, a very special event was held in honor of fellow whitewater enthusiast Taylor Pelotte. In September 2002, the club was saddened to hear that 9-year-old Taylor had been diagnosed with cancer. Wishing to show their support, both emotionally and financially, club members proposed that a "Surf-a-thon" be held on her behalf. The Pelottes loved the idea, but insisted that money be raised not for them but instead for some worthy organization that helps children with cancer. Camp Sunshine was fortunate to be chosen as the recipient of their generosity.

So what is a Surf-a-Thon? Whitewater canoeists and kayakers know that one of the best “rides” can be found during the release of water from a river’s dam. The release causes waves to form, but ones that do not crest and break, giving paddlers the sensation of "surfing" down the face of a never-ending wave. Paddlers received pledges from friends, family, and local businesses to see how long they could surf. Others received pledges for paddling particular distances.

The event was held on the Dead River and culminated at The Forks Fish and Game Association Hall (which was donated) for a potluck supper. Awards were handed out and it was announced that a total of over $12,000 had been raised. It was a very proud moment for everybody involved, and the event was made perfect because Taylor herself was there, feeling good and in fine spirits. A sing-along around the campfire topped off a great day.

Two weekends later, on August 17, the annual Raft Guide Olympics Celebration was held in The Forks. River guides from the area's many whitewater rafting companies went head-to-head in a number of dry-land events in competition for the Olympic title. This year they dedicated the event to the Taylor Pelotte Surf-a-thon for Camp Sunshine, and collected another $3,500 for the cause.

Camp Sunshine would like to thank Surf-a-thon organizers Kyle Duckworth, Laura Neal, and Andy and Karen Webb of Riverdrivers Whitewater Rafting, and Raft Guide Olympics organizers Wade Thompson and Liz Caruso of North American Whitewater.

Donor of the Month - August 2003

SHAW BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION MOVING MOUNTAINS AND BUILDING SMILES

When Shaw Brothers owners Jon and Dan Shaw first visited the campus (still under construction at the time) they were clearly moved by the mission of Camp Sunshine. They were also moved to help. With a completion date upon us and families arriving in less than two months, the brothers decided to jump right in. They would pay personnel from their company to assist with the facilities completion.

Shortly after the campus grand opening, Shaw Brothers Construction donated a brand new car to Camp Sunshine to be raffled. The raffle raised $35,000.

Dan and Jon continued to support camp in 2002 by donating over $15,000 in site work for the construction of our new state of the art wheelchair accessible minigolf course.

Shaw Brothers Construction continued their dedication to Camp Sunshine in 2003 with a donation of $10,000 in support of the family sponsorship program.

To Dan and Jon, and everybody at Shaw Brothers Construction, thank you for your continued generosity and unwavering support.

Donor of the Month - July 2003

Camp Sunshine teams up with the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation to introduce the first Brain Tumor Camp Program in the Nation for Families.

“We know first hand that such a diagnosis not only affects a child it is a diagnosis that impacts the entire family,” said Executive Director of the Foundation, Judy Hurley.

The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, is a non-profit organization, founded in 1988 by dedicated parents, physicians and friends. Their mission is to improve the treatment, quality of life and the long term outlook for children with brain and spinal cord tumors through research, support, education, and advocacy to families and survivors.

The generous gift of $40,000 and endorsement from the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation solidified Camp Sunshine’s belief that there was a distinct need for a program of this kind.

A special heartfelt thanks to everyone at the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation for, as their slogan states, embracing the challenge today and giving hope for tomorrow.

Donor of the Month - June 2003

For the third time in two years, a group of 10 volunteers from the northeast division of AmeriCorps (NCCC) have come to Camp Sunshine to help ensure that our facility and campus is prepared for the summer program. Last year Camp Sunshine was fortunate to be joined by two other AmeriCorps groups.

Founded by former President Clinton, this non-profit organization boasts more than 100,000 volunteers nationwide. College scholarships are offered to those who complete the program.

While at Camp Sunshine AmeriCorp Volunteers have built fences, painted buildings, constructed rock walls, raised funds for Family Sponsorships, and created awareness through public speaking. They have also had the opportunity to participate in our Family Program.

At the end of their term, the current group will have logged more than 3,500 volunteer hours at Camp Sunshine. Along with the 7,500 hours contributed by the previous AmeriCorps groups, a total investment of over 10,000 hours has been contributed to Camp Sunshine by the AmeriCorps.

From all of us at Camp Sunshine, we extend a warm thanks to the AmeriCorps for their generous service.

TEAM #1

TEAM #2

TEAM #3

Donor of the Month - May 2003

Lake Region Furniture

Lake Region Furniture's slogan, “expect more,” is exemplified in their giving. The Maine owned and operated family business once again has donated some much-needed furnishings to Camp Sunshine.

During Camp Sunshine’s grand opening, Lake Region Furniture was instrumental in providing many of the furnishings for the campus. They have assisted in furnishing our professional housing as well as many of the common areas in our Activity Center.

This year’s donation included an armoire for the conference center, leather couches and tables for the teen center and a television stand for our family clubhouse.

Camp Sunshine greatly appreciates Lake Region Furniture for their in-kind donations and assistance with creating a very special place for our families.

Donor of the Month - April 2003

The Tager Family: Celebrating Generations of Volunteering and Giving

In 1984, Ethel Tager volunteered at Camp Sunshine for the first time. Since then, Ethel has become one of Camp Sunshine’s most beloved supporters.

According to veteran volunteer and Board Member Joe Pappalardo, “Ethel is the ideal volunteer - the type who always does whatever needs to be done.” “She doesn’t stop thinking of Camp when her week is over. Ethel spreads the mission all year round.”

Ethel has indeed worked tirelessly to spread our mission. She has involved her entire family, and many of her friends. Ethel’s children and grandchildren have consistently assisted Camp Sunshine year after year, and, like Ethel, they work to spread Camp Sunshine’s mission in their own communities.

Collectively, the Tager family has donated over $35,000 to Camp Sunshine and contributed thousands of volunteer hours. Through the generosity of Ethel, her son Les and his wife Marilyn, their children, Debbie, Diane and Dave and Dave’s wife Sarah and Ethel’s daughters Barbara Linder and her husband Mark and Laurie Dolat and her husband Steve, and their children, Alex, Lee, MaryEllen and Patrick, Camp Sunshine’s family program has been enhanced by the extraordinary efforts of this very caring family.

From all of us at Camp Sunshine, we extend a heartfelt thanks to Ethel and her entire family.

Donor of the Month - March 2003

THE ROTARY DERBY FEST SEBAGO LAKE WELCOMES WINTER FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The 3rd annual event sponsored by the Windham, Maine Rotary Club raised $20,000 for Camp Sunshine. The two-day festival featured an ice fishing tournament, polar ice dip, fisherman of the year contest, and snow sculptures. Overall, more than 4,000 participants took to the ice to raise money for charity.

This year’s tournament, the largest to date, boasted more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. The 2003 fishing derby winner (with a 14lb. Lake Trout) took home a 16ft.boat, motor, and trailer for his catch. Other top prizes in the event included a snowmobile, ice shack, 4 x 4 ATV, and multiple cash prizes.

The goal of the event is to support local fisheries and wildlife in ridding Sebago Lake of large, lake trout or “togue”, which if left unchecked would decimate the native salmon population.

“The event is envisioned to someday become Maine’s largest winter event,” says its founder, local businessman Tom Noonan. “I foresee, right here on Sebago Lake, a Winter Carnival much like the larger events currently held in Quebec.”

Camp Sunshine is honored to be a recipient of proceeds from this incredible event.

Donor of the Month - February 2003

OAKHURST DONATION TO BENEFIT MAINE FAMILIES BATTLING LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS

Provides Opportunities for Respite at Camp Sunshine

As part of its pledge to donate 10% of profits to charitable causes supporting kids and the environment, Oakhurst Dairy recently decided to donate $40,000 to the Camp Sunshine Endowment Fund.

The donation made by Oakhurst Dairy will endow the Oakhurst Dairy Sponsorship Fund, which will initially enable one Maine family per year to enjoy all that the camp has to offer. Eventually in the years to come, the fund will yield enough money to sponsor two Maine families per year.

The camp is rapidly approaching its year round capacity, and we hope to expand the program in order to accommodate those families who are unable to wait until spring to visit the camp. Thanks to Oakhurst, the camp is one step closer to reaching its goal of providing year-round service to sick children and their families.

In honor of Oakhurst Dairy, Camp Sunshine will be naming one of the family living suites, "The Oakhurst Dairy Family Suite" ­ which will house the families that are sponsored by the Oakhurst Dairy endowment each year.

"Camp Sunshine and Oakhurst Dairy share the same concern and appreciation for the well-being of children and their families who are battling a life threatening illness," says Oakhurst president Stan Bennett. "Oakhurst Dairy is dedicated to providing many Maine service organizations with the donations they need to take care of the people of Maine as well as many others."

Donor of the Month - January 2003

Isobel & Bruce Cleland, Campbell & Company

Thanks to a generous contribution from Campbell & Company and a matching gift from its president Bruce Cleland and wife Isobel, over 6 entire families will participate in our 2003 program.

The Clelands generosity and dedication to Camp Sunshine began after they had participated in the program as a family in 1988. The Clelands and Campbell & Company helped support the Capital Campaign to build the campus, and have sponsored more than 20 families to attend over the years. Today their assistance continues to go far beyond their financial contributions. Both Isobel and Bruce, and their daughters Samantha and Georgia have also generously donated their time to the program as volunteers.

Campbell & Company is an investment management firm located in Towson, Maryland. Founded in 1972, the company currently manages over $3.9 billion in assets using quantitative investment strategies to trade diverse global portfolios of futures and currencies on behalf of its clients.

Camp Sunshine thanks the Clelands and Campbell & Company for assisting sick children and their families from throughout the nation.

 
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