Donor of the Month
December 2009
New Balance Foundation
In celebration of Camp Sunshine's 25th Anniversary in 2009, the New Balance Foundation matched all brick purchases of $250 and above, up to $250,000. The $250,000 gift marks the second $250,000 donation the New Balance Foundation has made to Camp Sunshine .The Foundation also committed $250,000 to Camp Sunshine 's endowment in 2005.
In appreciation of the support from the New Balance Foundation, Camp Sunshine will name its walkway after the foundation.
The New Balance Foundation is a charitable foundation established in 1981 and funded by New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. The Foundation's mission is to support effective charitable organizations which perform humanitarian services for the betterment of our children and our local community. Please visit the Foundation's website at www.newbalancefoundation.org.
Donor of the Month
November 2009
Leisure Systems
and
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™
Camp-Resorts
In 2006, when Camp Sunshine began exploring other locations in the United States to host programs, the owners of Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts of Warrens, Wisconsin agreed to the pilot session. Soon thereafter other resorts within the franchise system began supporting Camp Sunshine. To date, they have raised more than $50,000 for Camp Sunshine including $13,000 in 2009 from 33 different franchisees and nearly $11,000 in matching support from Leisure Systems, the official franchiser of Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts
JellystonePark system is the second largest franchised campground operation in the United Statesmwith nearly 70 Camp-Resorts in 24 states and three Canadian provinces. The Jellystone Campgrounds are among the best in the industry. They are generally larger than the average, have premiere amenities and services, and are considered "destination" campgrounds.
We would like to thank Leisure Systems and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts for their commitment to providing ill children and their families with a great camping experience.
Donor of the Month
October 2009
The Tree Guys & The Maine Arborist Association
Camp Sunshine is proud to feature a great big team of "Tree Guys" and the Maine Arborist Association as this month's Donor of the Month.
Recently, 9 companies comprised of 35 employees and their trucks came out to Camp Sunshine to take down 31 failing trees and cut back and trim branches. This was a tremendous help to Camp, the value of which was estimated at $25,000. The companies and their employees are members of the Maine Arborist Association and included Central Maine Power, Double R Crane Services, Hammond Tractor, Bandit Industries, Lucas Tree Experts, McCann Tree Care, Spears Hill Tree, Tamarack Tree & Landscape, Vail's Tree Service, and Whitney Tree Services, Inc.
Leading the charge was donor, volunteer and Camp Sunshine board member Bill Drapeau. Bill has been instrumental over the years in helping with tree clean up throughout our 23 acre campus. In fact, he's been so helpful Camp Sunshine has named him its official "Camp Tree Surgeon".
Bill first reached out to Marty Folsom, consulting arborist for Lucas Tree Experts, in the fall of 2008 when he was looking for a team of arborists to help with the sizeable amount of tree work that needed to be performed at Camp. Marty visited Camp and walked the grounds, marking trees that needed to be cut, and others that needed to be trimmed. He also put Camp Sunshine in touch with David Clark, supervisor for Lucas Tree Experts and president of the Maine Arborist Association. Marty mentioned that the Association frequently performs service days where its members donate their time and equipment to help non-profits and thought that they might be interested in helping Camp Sunshine. Sure enough, he was right. David helped arrange the date and the event, while Association member Matt Jackson of Whitney Tree Services came out to Camp and planned the activities in preparation of the big work day.
Shortly after members of the Maine Arborist Association completed their work at Camp, Bill's "Tree Team" including Frank Healey, Henry Brackett, John Ramsay, Bob Sturk, Butch, and Roger Branchaud, who has generously volunteered many, many hours over the years, came in to help saw up the trees and clean up the campus.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Bill, his Tree Team, the Maine Arborist Association, and all of the other Tree Guys and companies who came in to
Donor of the Month
September 2009
We are pleased to announce that the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance, which includes a partnership among Barclays, the Nets, and Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC), has joined with Camp Sunshine in full support of our fall Hematology & Oncology Program. The focus of this very special program will be to host families from Brooklyn, New York at Camp Sunshine in October.
The Barclays/Nets Community Alliance has committed to funding the entire session as well as bus transportation to and from Brooklyn, enabling families to have full access to Camp Sunshine’s Casco, Maine campus. This will mark the second time in consecutive years that the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance has supported Camp Sunshine.
Created in November 2007, the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance is committed to the physical and educational development of youth in Brooklyn and the surrounding communities.
The Alliance has committed to investing $1million per year in local non-profits that work to improve the lives of young people in the borough and surrounding communities through sports and other activities, including education and health care.
On behalf of the many sick children and their families from Brooklyn who will benefit from this very generous support, Camp Sunshine thanks the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance for their commitment to improving the lives of children and families from Brooklyn.
Donor of the Month
August 2009
Tropical Smoothie Café's National Flip Flop Day Fundraiser Raises $275,000 for Camp Sunshine
For the second consecutive year, Tropical Smoothie Café has been hard at work spreading sunshine across America for children and families in need of a break. Far exceeding last year's fundraising total of $125,000, the smoothie and sandwich chain raised a combined $275,000 for the June 2009 National Flip Flop Day campaign in support of Camp Sunshine. This brings the total donations to $400,000 from Tropical Smoothie Café to Camp Sunshine since our partnership began in 2008.
Funds raised this year, the second year of Tropical Smoothie Café's partnership with Camp Sunshine, will send more than 180 families from around the country to our Casco, Maine campus, giving them the unique opportunity to meet other families facing similar challenges.
This year's National Flip Flop Day celebration has been another extremely rewarding experience for all of us here at Tropical Smoothie Café," said Jim Valentino, the company's president and chief operating officer. "Our goal for this year was to raise $250,000, so we're thrilled to have surpassed that goal and to have more than doubled the 2008 total. We can't wait to try and raise even more money next year for Camp Sunshine."
Fundraising efforts took place the entire month of June at each of the 280 Tropical Smoothie Cafés throughout the country and also online at nationalflipflopday.com. The funds will be used primarily to provide sponsorships for entire families to attend Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine will also designate some of the monies to support families' travels to Camp as well as construction and capital improvements of the Camp. The week of August 2-6, 2009 was designated as Tropical Smoothie Café week at Camp Sunshine in celebration of the campaign's efforts.
"On the 25th anniversary of Camp Sunshine, Tropical Smoothie Café has helped us have one of our biggest and best years ever," said Matt Hoidal, Camp Sunshine's executive director. "Because of the National Flip Flop Day campaign, we are able to reach out to and serve many more families than we otherwise could. This will have a huge impact on the lives of the children and families who benefit from Tropical Smoothie Café's efforts."
For more information about Tropical Smoothie Café, please visit their website at www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com.
Donor of the Month
July 2009
Bryan’s Dream Foundation and
Teva Pharmaceutical
Camp Sunshine is eager to highlight Bryans’ Dream Foundation in partnership with Teva Pharmaceutical for their wonderful contribution of $30,000. Their combined support will enable Camp Sunshine to offer a special Brain Tumor Weekend this December. This program has been added to meet the overwhelming demand for Camp Sunshine among the brain tumor community.
Bryan's Dream Foundation is a non-profit organization established in memory of Bryan Timothy Opremcak. Bryan was an inspiration to everyone who met him. He truly appreciated the never ending support of his family & friends, classmates, school, community and church and always wanted to do something to give to others. The foundation strives to honor Bryan and his all-too-short life by carrying it forward and fulfilling his dream through the Bryan’s Dream Foundation. The sole purpose of the foundation is to fulfill Bryan's dream by providing hope and support to children with brain tumors as well as their families and to ensure that no child's life is ended prematurely.
In 2008, Bryan’s Dream Foundation also supported families attending Camp Sunshine by offering $10,000 to provide transportation assistance.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is a global pharmaceutical company specializing in the development, production and marketing of generic and proprietary branded pharmaceuticals as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Teva is among the top 20 pharmaceutical companies and among the largest generic pharmaceutical companies in the world.
We would like to thank Bryan’s Dream Foundation and Teva Pharmaceutical for allowing children with brain tumors and their families to experience the magic of Camp Sunshine.
Donor of the Month
June 2009
Strolling for Sunshine- Scotty's Walk
Shortly after coming to Camp Sunshine in October 2008, the Davidson Family contacted Camp Sunshine inquiring about holding a fundraiser in their hometown, Voluntown, CT. After tossing around a few ideas, they settled on Scotty's Walk, named after their son Scotty who has an inoperable brain tumor.
After much time and effort went into planning Strolling for Sunshine - Scotty's Walk, event day finally arrived. On May 16th, 2009 approximately 200 walkers and 200 spectators showed up to join in the day's festivities. The day was filled with fun and excitement for all including a car show, music, games for the kids, raffles, a demonstration car execration, and a fabulous cook-out put on by the Voluntown Fire Department.
Typically, a fundraiser of this type collects between $5,000 and $10,000. Scotty's Walk not only surpassed this amount but doubled it, raising more than $20,000 for Camp Sunshine!!!
At the start of the walk, Roxanne Davidson expressed that Camp Sunshine is a unique place where children with life-threatening illnesses and their families are supported by peers whose experiences mirror their own. The funds raised by Scotty's Walk will be used to send at least 13 more brain tumor families, like the Davidsons, to Camp Sunshine where they can pool resources, share stories, and forge bonds that will last far beyond their time here.
Camp Sunshine sincerely thanks the Davidson Family and all of the event volunteers and donors for their effort in making Scotty's Walk such a great success. We continue to be amazed by what our families, friends, volunteers and donors do for us and we are forever grateful.
Donor of the Month
May 2009
Mike Brooks and Ten Days for Sunshine
He's done it again! Mike Brooks, Camp Sunshine's official "running man" has just completed the Sri Chinmoy ten day transcendence race. That's right, Mike ran to raise money and awareness for Camp Sunshine for ten grueling days. During that time Mike was able to log 491 miles or nearly two marathons a day for ten straight days! Just as amazing, Mike was able to raise more than $10,000 in pledges for Camp Sunshine!
Mike Brooks is a retired firefighter who began running just fourteen years ago. At the time he was a 235-pound, 2 pack a day smoker. Fast forward to today and he is part of an elite list of invitees to the toughest marathon in the world. Mike Brooks is living proof that you can do anything you set your mind to, and his list of accomplishments is a tribute to that determination.
Just last year, Mike completed three marathons in all but one state. Brooks says he really can't explain to most people's satisfaction why he runs so much. "Everybody asks me that," he said, "I just enjoy it.".
Mike began supporting Camp Sunshine in 2004 when he took on the Kiehl's Badwater Ultra marathon, a race that even the most seasoned ultra marathoners wouldn't dare to attempt. The race through Death Valley takes between 40 and 60 hours for most participants. Mike finished it in 46 hours and 17 minutes. It was a race like no other, and Mike's Badwater Run raised more than $25,000 for Camp Sunshine!
Mike was back several years later when he ran a six day race in celebration of his 60th birthday and sent 4 families to Camp Sunshine when he raised $6,000.
Congratulations to Mike for completing the 10 day race and a heartfelt thank you for continuing to keep Camp Sunshine as the recipient of his generosity. Thanks also to all the donors and friends who supported Mike and Camp Sunshine every step of the way.
Donor of the Month
April 2009
Lyrics For Life
Camp Sunshine is pleased to recognize Lyrics For Life as its April 2009 Donor of the Month. In 2008, the organization chose to support Camp Sunshine for the second consecutive year, raising $10,000 for Camp through their Operation Swan Dive event. The event, which takes place in Pepperell, MA, is a sky diving event where participants raise pledges for charity. A post event party features a dinner, a silent auction, and live music by Sister Hazel and other artists.
To date, Lyrics For Life has contributed $16,000 to Camp Sunshine, and recently announced its intent to support Camp Sunshine again in 2009.
Lyrics For Life is a non-profit organization whose mission is to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. It was founded by Sister Hazel front man Ken Block in memory of his younger brother Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with Cancer.
The charity unites musicians and celebrities for concert events, auctions and other fundraising efforts. The monies raised are donated to groups that are working to find a cure as well as those like Camp Sunshine aiming to enrich the lives of patients and their families. From research to summer camps and family support groups, Lyrics For Life attempts to surround cancer and conquer it from every angle.
Camp Sunshine would like to thank Lyrics For Life for its continued generous support, and for their recent announcement to continue their partnership with Camp Sunshine in 2009. Skydiving anyone? Visit www.operationswandive.org to learn more about how you can jump out of a plane and raise funds for Camp Sunshine. For more information about Lyrics For Life visit www.lyricsforlife.org.
Donor of the Month
March 2009
Hannaford Supermarkets & The Hannaford Charitable foundation
Camp Sunshine is pleased and proud to announce its receipt of a $50,000 donation from Hannaford Supermarkets. On March 10th Hannaford President & Chief Executive Officer Ron Hodge and Hannaford Senior Vice President Mark Doiron presented Camp Sunshine Board Member Dan Shaw and Executive Director Matt Hoidal with a check for $50,000, representing 1/3 of the proceeds from Hannaford's Annual Auction. The remainder of the proceeds were split between two other charities. This was the second year that Camp Sunshine was the beneficiary of the event, bringing the event's total contributions to Camp Sunshine to $100,000. And as if this wasn't generous enough, Ron and Mark informed Dan and Matt that Camp Sunshine had been chosen once again to be the beneficiary of Hannaford's 2009 auction. Wow!
Many of you may also recall that the Hannaford Charitable Foundation gave Camp Sunshine $50,000 towards the addition of the 7,000 square foot "Shaw Brothers Second Floor" onto Camp Sunshine's "Viterbi Family Activity Center". Funds donated by the foundation and from the auction were used to construct the "Hannaford Administrative Offices" in this new space.
Hannaford's support in recent years is most generous and impressive. But it's important to note that Hannaford Supermarkets' support of Camp Sunshine dates back to 1999 when stores throughout Maine sold Camp Sunshine's paper "sunnies". Besides selling paper sunnies and giving through their foundation and annual auction, they have also held bottle drives, and benefitted Camp Sunshine indirectly through the annual "Hannaford Turkey Trot" road race, of which Camp Sunshine has, in the past, been selected as a beneficiary by former race director Maggie Soule.
Hannaford's recent gift of $50,000 brings their grand total to more than $165,000 since they began suporting Camp Sunshine in 1999. Let's all celebrate their support and be sure to thank them the next time you shop at their stores.
Donor of the Month
February 2009
National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut
We are pleased to shine the spotlight onto the National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut this month, and to celebrate their recent endowment of two family sponsorships in perpetuity with a gift of $50,000.00 to Camp Sunshine.
The Foundation has a history with Camp Sunshine dating back to 2001, when it first sponsored a family from Connecticut during our renal program. Since then, the Foundation has continued to sponsor renal families, increasing to two families per year, and up to as many as six families in 2008.
The Foundation’s investment of $50,000.00 towards endowed family sponsorships will guarantee that two families from Connecticut will be able to attend our renal program every year, starting in 2009, and continuing on into perpetuity.
We are very grateful for the National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut’s support and particularly thank CEO Kim Hathaway and her Board and staff for their leadership, support, confidence, and ongoing commitment to helping renal families from Connecticut experience the joy and magic of Camp Sunshine.
Donor of the Month
January 2009
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
We are pleased to shine the spotlight onto Harvard Pilgrim Health Care who, thanks to their employee support, raised over $20,000 for Camp Sunshine this past holiday season. These funds will be used to sponsor families from Maine and Massachusetts at Camp in 2009.
Every year, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and its employees select three charities from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine to benefit from their employee holiday giving campaign. Harvard Pilgrim is a full-service health benefits company serving members throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and beyond.
This was the first year the employees have chosen Camp Sunshine, and what a year it was! HPHC employees were impressed with our unique family-focused program, and our continued top ratings by Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management. Besides raising funds for Camp Sunshine during the holidays, the company also sponsored our Maine pumpkin festival in October.
Special thanks to Camp Sunshine family member Steve Conley of HPHC Maine, for his support and endorsement of Camp Sunshine within Harvard Pilgrim. Likewise, we sincerely thank all of our friends at Harvard Pilgrim for their generosity and overwhelming support.
