Donor of the Month
December 2011
Camp Sunshine is pleased to announce that, for the ninth consecutive year, the amazing ownership, management, employees, and patrons of Reny's Department Stores have yet again reached a best-ever fundraising goal for Camp Sunshine.
Reny's is a chain of discount stores throughout Maine that have been a part of our state's culture since 1949. Reny's started in 1949 when Robert H. Reny (better known to all as "R.H.") opened his first store in Damariscotta, Maine. Today Reny's employs between 375 and 475 people and has 16 store locations throughout Maine.
The organization began its support of Camp Sunshine by selling paper pumpkins for our first Pumpkin Festival in Portland, Maine in 2003. Several years ago, Director of Purchasing, Monica Kemm, took the reins as the campaign's director and really boosted results by motivating all involved. She certainly continues to motivate because this year Reny's raised the incredible amount of $44,033.
This year's results and donation to Camp Sunshine brings Reny's total support to $213,000. Considering that donations are collected $1 at a time, this accomplishment is amazing!
Camp Sunshine salutes the efforts and dedication of Reny's and the services it helps us provide to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Donor of the Month
November 2011
This month, we are proud to highlight the generosity and continued support from our friends at L.L. Bean, Hancock Lumber, and Androscoggin Bank.
Most of you have become familiar with the support from these organizations in the context of our pumpkin festivals. L.L. Bean has been a partner with us in these events for two years now, generously hosting the festival at its flagship campus in Freeport, ME. Meanwhile, Hancock Lumber and Androscoggin Bank have been supporting these festivals for three years, at L.L. Bean and at previous locations.
Outside of our festivals, Hancock Lumber and members of the Hancock family have been partners of Camp Sunshine for more than two decades. According to Hancock Lumber Company President Kevin Hancock, "Hancock Lumber has long-been a supporter of Camp Sunshine and we are proud to continue in that tradition. It is a great organization that has provided a first-class retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Being a part of their organization is a natural fit and we're proud to be connected to Camp Sunshine and its extended family."
As we reflect on these past several years, and give thanks to these organizations for being such great friends to Camp Sunshine, we hope that we will look back two decades from now, and see L.L. Bean and Androscoggin Bank following suit with Hancock Lumber, and continuing their own traditions of support.
Donor of the Month
October 2011
Weston Pumpkin Festival
Camp Sunshine is pleased to highlight the Weston Pumpkin Festival as the October 2011 Donor of the Month.
The Weston Pumpkin Festival started in 2006 as a pumpkin carving party to send pumpkins to Boston to help Camp Sunshine break the Guinness World Record
for the most lit jack-o-lanterns in one place at one time. Thanks to the pumpkins coming from Weston, MA, Camp Sunshine was able to break that record, which
still stands today at 30,128 jack-o-lanterns.
The festival was the brain child of Hilary Sieber who was a junior at Weston High School. Hilary is now a senior in college, but the tradition has been carried on by her sister, Jennifer, and her parents Joe and Jodi.
Since then, the Weston Pumpkin Festival has grown dramatically over the last six years, becoming a festival that everyone looks forward to each year. The
high school students now interview to be on the planning committee, and over 200 High School students participate each year.
This year, it was a beautiful fall day in Weston on Saturday for the 6th Annual Weston High School Pumpkin Festival. Over a thousand people visited the town green for a day filled with children's activities, food, games, live entertainment, pumpkin carving, and, of course, raising funds and awareness for Camp Sunshine.
By day's end, funds totaled over $33,000. On top of that, the Sweet Virginia Foundation matched all donations up to $25,000, for a grand total of
$58,000!
"Camp Sunshine is thrilled with the overwhelming support of this event and the commitment of all involved. The students of Weston High School and the community as a whole, once again, rose to the challenge of supporting ill children and their families from Massachusetts," said Camp Sunshine's Director of Special Events, Michael Smith.
Camp Sunshine recognizes that this festival simply wouldn't be possible without the unwavering support of the students, staff and administration of
Weston High School, the student committee members, the Friends of Camp Sunshine Members, and the Sieber Family. Sponsors of the event included MarketBasket
Supermarkets, Inscribe and mom.com.
Since the start of the festival, over $160,000 has been raised which has provided nearly 100 families the opportunity to regroup, re-energize, and restore hope at Camp Sunshine as a result of the Weston Pumpkin Festival. We extend our deepest gratitude and most sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to its success.
Donor of the Month
September 2011
Camp Sunshine would like to acknowledge the generous gift of $30,000 from the Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytoma (PLGA) Foundation.
Recently, the PLGA Foundation sponsored fifteen families diagnosed with low grade brain tumors enabling them to attend a week at Camp Sunshine this summer. This pilot program was the first of its kind in the nation to focus solely on low grade brain tumors in children. Thirty-four families from fourteen states were able to attend this session.
PLGA's are the most common form of brain tumors, and the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States estimates that there are over 20,000 children with PLGA's today. Over 1,000 new children are diagnosed with some type of astrocytoma brain tumor each year.
While the PLGA Foundation is committed to uniting the medical community to jump-start childhood brain tumor research, they are equally committed to uniting families with loved ones suffering from children with brain tumors. The foundation understands that together, those diagnosed with the disease can share information and act as a support network. The synergy between science, support and advocacy created a stimulating environment for families. That network along with renewed friendships and new relationships were certainly all part of this very special week at Camp Sunshine.
Camp Sunshine thanks the Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytoma Foundation, and we are proud to highlight them as Camp Sunshine's September 2011 Donor of the Month.
To learn more visit www.fightplga.org
Donor of the Month
August 2011
Camp Sunshine is pleased and proud to recognize Tropical Smoothie Café as our August 2011 Donor of the Month.
Tropical Smoothie Café, the national smoothie and sandwich franchise, presented Camp Sunshine with a check for $400,000 last week during Tropical Smoothie Café Week at Camp. Our partnership with Tropical Smoothie Café began in 2008 and has thus far resulted in more than $1.1 million in donations raised for Camp Sunshine through the company's National Flip Flop Day fundraising and promotional campaign.
Fundraising efforts started in May, and continued throughout the month of June at each of the more than 300 Tropical Smoothie Café locations across the country, as well as online at www.nationalflipflopday.com.
During National Flip Flop Day, each franchise location gives away free smoothies to the first 500 patrons wearing flip flops. It's an opportunity for Tropical Smoothie Café to kick off the beginning of summer, while spreading the word about Camp Sunshine.
The majority of funds were raised through the sale of paper flip flops for $1 each at each of the store locations. Additionally, several stores organized golf tournaments, road races, and other events to increase funding.
Last week, 12 employees from the company spent time at camp volunteering. Smoothies were also flowing as all the families were treated to a different flavored smoothie each day, and boy were they delicious!
"We are honored by how much Tropical Smoothie Café has embraced Camp Sunshine with their commitment and passion for what we do," said Matthew M. Hoidal, Esq., executive director of Camp Sunshine. "We thank Tropical Smoothie Café for assisting us in spreading the word about Camp Sunshine and for helping deserving families benefit through a week of relaxation and support at camp."
Donor of the Month
July 2011
and Richard & Leona Jodoin
With their recent contribution of $12,500, Camp Sunshine will be able to host an additional six families thanks to Allied World Assurance Company and Richard & Leona Jodoin.
Richard & Leona Jodoin, longtime friends and supporters of Camp Sunshine, have been involved since 1999 - an impressive twelve years. Their first investments were made to Camp Sunshine's capital campaign, and the construction of the campus. Since then, the Jodoins have sponsored a family every year at Camp Sunshine.
Always focused on helping Camp Sunshine, an opportunity recently arose where the Jodoins were able to leverage a relationship to help many more families. Richard Jodoin, who is Vice Chairman of Allied World Assurance Company, had mentioned Camp Sunshine and his involvement to the company's Community Relations Board. Because Allied World Assurance Company is committed to supporting philanthropic efforts focused on the healthcare and education sectors, Camp Sunshine turned out to be a great match.
Camp Sunshine is very thankful for this new partnership with Allied World Assurance Company. Likewise, we remain grateful to the Jodoins, who continue to display their unyielding commitment to helping children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Donor of the Month
June 2011
With a recent and very generous donation of $60,000, Camp Sunshine will be able to host an additional 20 families from Connecticut this summer and fall thanks to Darien Rowayton Bank and its Chairman of the Board.
Darien Rowayton Bank is the only community bank headquartered in Darien, Connecticut. It also has a branch in Rowayton, as well as a home mortgage office in Niantic. The Bank provides a full range of deposit accounts, home mortgages, and commercial loans.
The Bank will also be featuring an informational display on Camp Sunshine in its lobby throughout this summer to help raise awareness of the Camp’s activities in the communities the Bank serves.
“We are pleased to be working with such a unique and worthwhile organization”, commented Bob Kettenmann, President of Darien Rowayton Bank. “Camp Sunshine provides a truly life changing experience for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.”
Camp Sunshine is very proud of this new partnership with Darien Rowayton Bank, and we are grateful to the Bank and its management for this support and partnership.
Donor of the Month
May 2011
True Fans for Elvis Club
Can’t Help Falling in Love... with the True Fans for Elvis Club
Since 1988 - The True Fans for Elvis Fan Club, headed by Dot Gonyea (one of Camp Sunshine's most dedicated volunteers), has raised more than $130,000 for Camp Sunshine.
Throughout the years, the Club has supported Camp Sunshine's Family Sponsorship Program, our Campus Capital Campaign, and our Brick Walkway Endowment Campaign. This year the club expects to raise an additional $8,000!
Fans have been rock and rolling their way through fundraisers all year, including auctions, craft fairs, and the always fun Elvis Weekend hosted by Camp Sunshine!
In 2003, Camp Sunshine recognized the efforts of the True Fans for Elvis Club by naming its Nursery in their honor. “The True Fans for Elvis Teddy Bear Nursery” will forever be a reminder of the efforts they have put forth for Camp Sunshine. The Camp Sunshine D.J. booth was also named after the club and this year we are proud to dedicate a family suite, unit 24 in Family Building Two, will now be known as the True Fans for Elvis Suite, so leave your Blue Suede Shoes at the door!
We would like to thank The True Fans for Elvis Club and its members for continuing to choose Camp Sunshine as a recipient of their generosity and for their tender love to families with seriously ill children. We are certainly Stuck On You!
Donor of the Month
April 2011
Pediatric Cancer Foundation of
Lehigh Valley
What a spectacular day March 19th was in the Lehigh Valley Region of Eastern Pennsylvania and Western New Jersey. It was the perfect spring day for the second annual Run to LIVE 8K Run / 5K Walk and Fun Run. Hosted by the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of Lehigh Valley, the event had a great group of sponsors, equally amazing volunteers, and incredible fundraising teams, all of whom helped ensure the day was a huge success.
Pediatric Cancer Foundation Executive Director and Camp Sunshine Mom, Nicole Ronco, could hardly believe it when more than 1,300 participants
arrived to take part in the day's events. "The outpouring of love and support was beyond our expectations," said Ronco. "We remain committed to
Camp Sunshine and understand the profound effect a respite at Camp can offer to families of children with cancer. Equally important, the friendships
and relationships that are formed provide a unique vehicle to continue feeling empowered in an uncontrollable situation."
Friendships and relationships certainly had an impact on their event as well. At the conclusion of the day, $25,000 had been raised for Camp Sunshine!
The funds will be used to sponsor 12 families at Camp Sunshine in 2011 from the Lehigh Valley Area, and an additional $1,000 will be earmarked for our focus on buying locally grown produce.
Camp Sunshine thanks the Ronco Family, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of Lehigh Valley, and everyone who supported and participated in the Run to LIVE event. We are proud to highlight them as Camp Sunshine's April 2011 Donor of the Month.
To learn more visit www.pcflv.org
Donor of the Month
March 2011
Freezin' For A Reason Polar Dips Participants and Supporters
We are excited to recognize Camp Sunshine's Freezin' For A Reason Polar Dips, Participants and Supporters as our March Donor of the Month.
The 2011 Freezin' For A Reason polar dip season concluded recently, raising over $330,000! While that is a remarkable number, it is even more amazing to note that since the inception of the Polar Dips, over $1,000,000 has been raised to support ill children and their families at Camp Sunshine.
It was the commitment of every plunger - reaching out to friends and relatives, knocking on neighbors doors, or hanging signs up at work asking for support - that enabled us to reach this milestone.
Not only is the amount raised from Reston, Virginia to Bangor, Maine staggering, but the awareness these events created for Camp Sunshine on television and in the newspapers was incredible. None of this would have happened if we didn't have loyal supporters willing to brave the chilly waters.
To everyone who participated and supported the record breaking 2011 Polar Dip season, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Donor of the Month
February 2011
The TJX Foundation
Dedicated to its Communities and Camp Sunshine
After an initial gift in 1993 in support of Camp Sunshine's capital campaign, the TJX Foundation began an ongoing relationship with Camp Sunshine that would endure for years to come. In 2004, they turned their focus to supporting our Bereavement Program. Since then, the TJX Foundation has truly come to appreciate and sustain this program which allows families to find a safe harbor at Camp Sunshine amidst the lonely and challenging tragedy of experiencing the loss of a child.
Many of our families and supporters are no doubt familiar with the various chains owned and operated by TJX Companies, Inc.: T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods in the United States. Through the TJX Foundation, TJX Companies and all of its chains have faithfully carried out their primary mission of contributing to programs that provide basic-need services to disadvantaged women, children and families in communities in which they do business.
Understanding the importance of Camp Sunshine's mission and the services that we provide through our Bereavement Program, the TJX Foundation has sponsored two families each year for the past eight consecutive years. Because of the foundation's continued generosity, we have been able to maintain the Bereavement Program as a core part of our programming.
On behalf of everyone at Camp Sunshine, we sincerely thank the TJX Foundation for its unyielding support.
Donor of the Month
January 2011
Race fans take note! This month we are proud to shine the spotlight on Speedway Children’s Charities for their recent gift of $6,000 from their New Hampshire Chapter to Camp Sunshine.
Speedway Children's Charities was founded by Bruton Smith, Chairman of Speedway Motorsports and Sonic Automotive, as a memoriam and legacy to his son, Bruton Cameron Smith, who passed away at a very young age.
Given his experience, Smith became passionate about wanting to help children in need and Speedway Children's Charities was created focusing on communities surrounding SMI speedways.
"Our sole concern at SCC is to help a child in need," says Smith.
SCC went national in 1982, and throughout the years has grown to funding thousands of organizations nationwide that help children directly with everything from educational support to the basic need of a coat or a simple meal. Since its inception, Speedway Children’s Charities has raised over $30 million to benefit children in need.
Camp Sunshine is very proud of this new partnership with Speedway Children’s Charities, and we encourage everyone to learn more about this wonderful organization.
