Donor of the Month
December 2006
The Anne Griffin Herrick Endowed Family Sponsorship Funds
Camp Sunshine has recently been honored to witness the great statement of love and respect displayed by family and friends of Mrs. Anne Griffin Herrick. The many donations received in celebration of her life will greatly benefit the ill children of Camp Sunshine along with their families for many years to come.
This past summer during a visit to Point Sebago Resort, Mrs. Herrick and her husband Ted took a tour of Camp Sunshine and were moved by the experience. Anne believed that Camp provided the kind of loving environment that she wished for all of the children and families who she encountered during her many hospital visits for cancer treatment.
Since her passing, memorial donations have been pouring in to Camp from Mrs. Herrick’s numerous family members and friends. To date, nearly $60,000 has been donated to Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine is pleased to use these funds to endow two Anne Griffin Herrick Family Sponsorship Funds. Investment income from each of these endowed funds will be used annually to sponsor children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at Camp, for years to come.
Camp Sunshine sends warm wishes to the entire Herrick family, and sincerely thanks all those who have donated to the fund in honor of Mrs. Herrick, and in furtherance of her wish to help ill children and their families.
Donor of the Month - November 2006
of Lincoln County
This year’s 5th Annual Wish List Ride for Camp Sunshine raised more than $3,500 and included a truckload of wish list items. Motorcycle riders from across Maine gathered near Boothbay Harbor and were led by a full police escort through the state to Camp Sunshine. Mike Lewis, this year’s event organizer, again amazed Camp Sunshine families and volunteers when he arrived with more than 50 of his biker friends and family. They were greeted by cheers from everyone in attendance and for many it continues to be a highlight of the summer.
The UBM of Lincoln County first got involved with Camp Sunshine when then president, Bill Lewis Jr. read about Camp Sunshine and its programs in a local newspaper. He contacted Camp to see if it would be all right to have a few bikes show up with donations. Camp Sunshine agreed, and the first Wish List Ride was born. To date the ride and its annual accompanying lobster bake and auction have raised more than $20,000 for Camp Sunshine. In addition, the UBM’s ability to raise awareness for Camp Sunshine in Maine’s Mid Coast Region has spurred other events including the Southport Yacht Club’s Junior Triathlon that raised over $3,000 this past summer. In 2007, an antique car club from the region plans a similar ride to Camp.
Thank you so much to Bill Lewis and the UBM of Lincoln County for taking the opportunity to help others and
Donor of the Month - October 2006
Camp Sunshine is eager to highlight Lauren’s First and Goal for their wonderful contribution of $8,250. Their contribution will enable Camp Sunshine to expand program activities to incorporate a regular therapy dog, pony rides, occasional petting zoo, and sleigh rides. This was made possible through Lauren’s First and Goal Football Camp, sponsored by Lafayette College. Over 900 campers participate in a non-contact, one day instructional clinic taught by skilled and professional Division I, II, and III college coaches.
The camp and organization are named in honor of Lauren Loose, a nine year old brain tumor survivor, who has been living with a diagnosis of multiple brain tumors, Neurofibromatosis and Evan's Syndrome since 9 months of age. Her courage, relentless spirit and joy for life are an inspiration to those who know her. Despite all she has been through, she is a happy, enthusiastic and optimistic child, with a crazy, infectious laugh and a true love for life. She takes great joy in helping others, finds treasure in what others may see as ordinary or mundane, and never lets a day go by without some kind of exciting discovery. No matter what challenges are placed before her, she never gives up.
Lauren's First and Goal is a charitable organization created to raise funds to support pediatric brain tumor research, support local pediatric cancer services, provide financial assistance to families living with a pediatric cancer diagnosis and to raise public awareness regarding pediatric brain tumor. Camp Sunshine would like to thank Lauren’s First and Goal for enhancing the families’ lives and experience while at Camp Sunshine that will provide a lifetime of memories.
Donor of the Month - September 2006
Lowe's: Improving Camp Sunshine Through Financial, In-kind, and Volunteer Support
In January of 2006, Camp Sunshine was honored to receive a financial contribution from The Lowe’s Foundation at the grand opening of their Windham, Maine location. Since then the store’s management team and employees have fully embraced Camp Sunshine and its mission.
In keeping with Lowe’s philosophy and belief that community involvement extends beyond the physical boundaries of their stores, the management team at the Windham store has committed to helping make Camp Sunshine’s Campus an even better place for sick kids and their families.
Several weeks ago Lowe’s employees dropped off donations that included a shed, grill, and a John Deere Riding lawn mower. The following week the campus was expanded when Lowe’s built and donated 12 picnic tables and created a new outdoor dining area. A labor force of employees also volunteered their time to build horseshoe pits and a bocce court.
With all those projects completed the employees still plan multiple return trips to even further enhance the Campus’ exterior.
Joe Shelton, the store’s assistant manager, is the father of a child with cancer who plans to attend a session with his family this fall. Sounds as though his co-workers intend to ensure his stay is the best it can be.
Donor of the Month - August 2006
Robin Romano Memorial Fund
Camp Sunshine is pleased to recognize the continued support of the Robin Romano Memorial Fund. The most recent gift of $7,000 is the seventh gift to Camp Sunshine from the Fund. In total the Fund has donated $30,000 dollars to Camp.
Robin Romano was the beloved Assistant Sports Editor of the Boston Globe. Sadly, she passed away after a long battle with cancer. Robin’s true passion in life was always children. Even during her fight against cancer she continued to work with the children battling serious illnesses at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. It was in honor of her love and passion for children that the Robin Romano Memorial Fund was started.
In addition to annually supporting Camp Sunshine’s Family Sponsorship Fund and The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the Robin Romano Memorial Fund also focuses on the continued education of children that have battled cancer.
Camp Sunshine salutes the efforts of the Robin Romano Memorial Fund for their commitment to our Program, and we sincerely thank them for understanding the importance of our mission and the services we provide to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Donor of the Month - July 2006
Transportation Donors Make Camp More Accessible to Families
Camp Sunshine is pleased to recognize the Sam L. Cohen Foundation for their recent gift of $15,000, to help purchase a 2006 Doge Caravan Min-Van. This new vehicle will enable Camp to enhance its ability to transport families and volunteers to and from the local airports, train stations, and bus stations.
Other generous donors who have recently provided transportation funding include Ms. Nancy Aronson, BTM Development Partners, Hands on Tzedakah, Jet Blue Airways, Lions Club of the Bronx, David & Nicki McDonald, Munch/Bilheimer Foundation, Ronald McDonald Foundation of New York, ST. Thomas More Church, and The Transplant Foundation.
Ongoing transportation has also been provided over the years by Angel Flight America. Angel Flight America is a national network of private pilots that arrange and provide flights in the event of a national crisis or whenever there is a compelling human need. Each year, Angel Flight America provides dozens of flights to Maine for participating Camp Sunshine families.
Each of these generous donors has enabled Camp Sunshine to provide buses, planes, and trains to transport families to and from Camp. Ultimately, they have increased the accessibility of our unique program to families who would not be able to experience this much-needed respite if left to pay for their own transportation.
Donor of the Month - May 2006
Here Comes the Sun Fashion Show
What an amazing effort! On Saturday, April 22, 2006 hundreds of Camp Sunshine supporters gathered at the Marquee in New York City to enjoy a fashion show. The show featured clothing by designer Diane Von Furstenberg. The event was chaired by Cara Gerstle, Alison Karasyk, and Greer Tessler - all students at Columbia Prep High School. Each has experienced, first hand, the effects that cancer, as well as lupus, can have on a family. These young ladies originally set out to raise $15,000 to send 10 families to camp. But through their own passion and hard work, the event far exceeded their expectations and raised an unbelievable $56,000. Thank you so much to Dolce and Gabbana, Diane Von Furstenberg, FILA, Anne Keating, Bloomingdales, Fern Tessler, Elle Magazine, and everyone that supported this event.
Donor of the Month - April 2006
A.J. Cincotta-Eichenfield
Typically, just one day before their birthday, most kids are thinking about a cake or party. But, A.J. Cincotta-Eichenfield felt there was no better way to jump-start the festivities than by plunging into 32-degree water!
Recently, a first-time event plunged onto the scene in Worcester, MA, aptly named Freezin’ for a Reason. Almost seventy people from the Northeast showed up on this chilly Sunday morning to take a refreshing dip. One of our own was there.
It doesn’t take long at Camp Sunshine to recognize that the staff has become a close family. The youngest of this family can usually be found at the Front Desk eagerly seeking out items for the scavenger hunt, leading the 9-12 group to its certain victory. A.J. Cincotta-Eichenfield was literally born into Camp. It is his second home and he is as much a part of Camp Sunshine as the concrete in the floors. He is the son of Psychosocial Director, Nancy Cincotta and Medical Director, Andrew Eichenfield. He has seen thousands of families with ill children come through the doors of Camp Sunshine and has made many friends along the way.
One day in late February, A.J. decided to do something for Camp. The plunge was perfect! He began asking family and friends to pledge to his plunge. Support for the most famous face at Camp Sunshine came snowballing in. His enthusiasm for the event, and what he could accomplish, inspired founder Anna Gould to generously match all donations he collected. At this point, A.J. is responsible for raising a total of $25,000!
Families in need from all over the country will benefit from this birthday wish to help. Thanks to all who participated, the event was a great success raising nearly $40,000.
Donor of the Month - April 2006
Joey Cerato Braves the Icy Water - Motivates Others to Plunge Deep Into Their Pockets
The first day of 2006 was no ordinary day for eleven-year-old Joey Cerato. He woke up to greet the morning on a balmy 20-something degree day, got dressed, and headed to Boston Harbor with his family.
In 2003, the Ceratos made their first trip to Camp Sunshine. The family is not a stranger to illness or the effects it has on lives. Just days before Joey was born, his grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. After bravely fighting for nearly three years, he lost his battle. Unfortunately, the Cerato’s fight with cancer did not end there, and a new chapter in their lives began when, on Halloween 2002, Joey’s dad, Mark, was diagnosed with urachal cancer. Mark went through extensive surgery in January 2003 and has been cancer free since. The family began coming in September 2003 as a way to give back for the miracles they had received. Since their first session that fall, they have volunteered nearly 20 to date.
With all of the sessions under his belt, Joey wanted to do something to raise enough money to send a family to Camp Sunshine for a week. That’s when he thought of the Polar Plunge that takes place every New Year’s Day into Boston Harbor. He began taking pledges from family and friends, and before he knew it he had raised enough money for not only one family, but THREE!
Camp Sunshine not only wishes to congratulate Joey on his remarkable fundraising efforts, but thanks him for the incredible kindness and generosity he shows at such a young age in giving to other children and their families. We certainly can’t wait to see what the future holds for this bright young man, and look forward to many prospective endeavors.
Donor of the Month - February 2006
The William Gordon Trust
Camp Sunshine is pleased to recognize the continued support of the William J.J. Gordon Trust. In January, Camp Sunshine received a $3,000.00 gift from the Trust to sponsor two families in 2006.
The recent gift comes just one year after the Trust established the William J.J. Gordon Family Sponsorship Fund with a gift of $25,000.00. This Endowment Gift will remain permanently invested, with the investment income used to sponsor a family every year, in perpetuity.
These generous gifts were a result of the relationship between Trustees Theodora and Steve Hanson with Camp Sunshine volunteers and donors Joan and David Sutter.
Camp Sunshine salutes and thanks the William J.J. Gordon Trust for their assistance in building and strengthening the Camp Sunshine program for the future. We are grateful for their understanding of the importance of our mission and the services our program provides to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. We also thank Joan and David Sutter for their unwavering support and promotion of Camp Sunshine.
If you would like to leave a legacy in the form of an endowed family sponsorship fund, either in your name or that of a loved one, please contact the Camp Sunshine office. Multi-year pledges for this unique and everlasting gift are available.
Donor of the Month - January 2006
Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation
Camp Sunshine is pleased to recognize Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation for their recent generous gift of $60,000. This gift will allow Camp Sunshine to expand to two brain tumor specific sessions in 2006. The gift was made through our friends at the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation – who also made a $60,000 contribution to sponsor a brain tumor specific session for the fourth year in a row. (See donor of the month July 2003)
Jenna's Rainbow Foundation is named after Jenna Kamil, who died from a brain-stem tumor in May 1999 at the age of 7. Throughout her two-year struggle, Jenna exhibited warmth, dignity, strength, and a loving spirit that was fully absorbed by those fortunate enough to come into contact with her. When once asked to make a wish, Jenna responded, "I wish the world would stay a rainbow."
It is the Foundation's mission to fulfill Jenna's wish and make the world a rainbow for children and families traveling the dark and often lonely road of battling brain and spinal cord tumors. Members and volunteers focus efforts on local activities and on supporting special projects aimed toward critically ill children and their families. The hope is that these efforts will ease burdens, provide respite, and improve the quality of life for both children and their families throughout the duration of their illness.
Camp Sunshine would like to thank Jenna’s Rainbow Foundation for choosing Camp Sunshine as a recipient of their generosity and for their commitment to families with seriously ill children.
