2013 Sunshine Foundation Dream Village information and events

1. See the Sunshine
in Every Child!

2. sunshine foundation
 Mission statement: We answer the dreams
of chronically ill, physically challenged and
abused children ages three to eighteen,
whose families cannot fulfill their requests
due to the financial strain that the child's
illness may cause.
 83% of every dollar spent goes directly to
program services!
America’s Top Rated
Wish Granting Charity
Serving the Terminally or Chronically Ill

3. sunshine foundation
 The Original Wish Granting Organization, founded
in 1976.
 The only national organization answering the
dreams of children with life-long chronic
conditions that are turned away form other wish
granting groups because they may not have a
life-threatening illness.
 Bill Sample, a Philadelphia police
officer, started the foundation
after working with a children’s
hospital for many years.

4. sunshine foundation
Since 1976, Sunshine Foundation has made over
36,000 dreams become reality.
Special Dream Requests:
 personal computer, shopping spree,
meeting a favorite celebrity or sports star
Dream Village Dream Requests:
(Most Popular Request)
 visiting the Central Florida theme parks
with accomodations at our Dream Village.

5. sunshine foundation
We arrange and pay for all aspects of
child’s dream request (which includes
all family members):
 airfare
 transportation
 lodging
 meals
 tickets to the theme parks

7. sunshine foundation
Dream Village
 Constructed 1988-89, first families
arrived January 1990
 22-acres on Osceola and Polk
County line (Four Corners area)
 Easy access to all the Central
Florida attractions, including Disney
and the new LEGOLAND theme
park in Winter Haven
 Peaceful but magical oasis for
families to escape from hospitals,
treatments and doctors
 Over 20,000 special children have
enjoyed the fairy-tale setting of the
Dream Village.

9. sunshine foundation
Amenities at the Dream Village:
all handicap and special needs
accessible.

16. Tianna, age 13, arrived at
the Dream Village recently.
She is one of many children
suffering from Chronic Lung
Disease that Sunshine
serves.
Common life-long illnesses
of the children we serve:
Cerebral Palsy, Muscular
Dystrophy, Down Syndrome,
Severe Autism, Spinal Injuries,
Brain Injuries, Pulmonary
Diseases and Physical or
Sexual Abuse.

18. sunshine foundation
What Makes Us Shine:
 Only “A” rated wish granting charity for children who are terminally or
chronically ill
 Only national wish granting organization with its own Dream Village, providing
personal service
 High percentage of donations to programs = 83%
 Once in a lifetime experience to families with limited income
 Receives referrals from Make-A-Wish and other organizations because the
children do not need a life threatening diagnoses
 Only national organization answering dreams of children who are chronically
ill, physically and severely behaviorally challenged and abused, including
non-verbal requests
 Only 2 paid staff at Dream Village. Volunteer driven charity.
 15 all-volunteer chapters around the U.S.

19. sunshine foundation
Volunteers

21. sunshine foundation
2013 Dream Village Events
 March 23: 4th Annual Spring Family Fair
 April 20: 3rd Annual 5K Run4Dreams
 November 2: 4th Annual Masquerade Ball

22. sunshine foundation
Annual Dreamlift
 Chartered jet for seriously ill children to visit a
Central Florida theme park for one day
 Over 100 special children
 May 7, 2013
 92nd Dreamlift to
Walt Disney World Resort

23. sunshine foundation
Upcoming Plans

24. sunshine foundation
Adding New Amenities:
 Therapeutic Riding Center
 Fishing Pond
 Fort w/ 4 New Cottages

25. sunshine foundation
Ways YOU Can Help!
 Adopt a Cottage ($30,000)
 Adopt a Dream ($5,000)
 Designate Sunshine Foundation (in your employee or planned
giving campaigns)
 Donate Theme Park Tickets or Airline Miles
 Help with improving décor, grounds, cottages, amenities
 Organize your own Fundraiser (golf tournament, percentage of
sales, poker runs, walks, accept donations from customers)
 Purchase Dream Village Bricks ($100-$250)
 Spread Sunshine (“Like” us on facebook and share with friends)
 Support Events (attend, sponsor, donate auction items, volunteer)
 Volunteer (office, event committees, airport greeter, dreamlifts, village
grounds, advisory council)
 Contact us: 800-457-1976 or rich@sunshinefoundation.org

26. sunshine foundation
“I forgot I was in a wheelchair” - Timothy
“It was great to get away from all of the doctors!”
- Amanda

27. sunshine foundation
"Not all children are able
to run and play and enjoy
life. Many are innocent
victims of birth defects,
accidents and deadly
diseases. Shouldn't each
child know that somebody
cares enough to see his or
her dream come true?"
-Bill Sample, Founder, Contact Rich Mergo at
rich@sunshinefoundation.org
Sunshine Foundation or 800-457-1976 for a personal tour
www.sunshinefoundation.org