The Sunshine Foundation is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to chronically ill children between ages 3-18. It was founded in 1976 and has granted over 34,500 wishes. The foundation operates the Dream Village, a resort in Florida where families can stay while visiting theme parks at no cost. The Dream Village has cottages and amenities accessible for those with disabilities or special needs. The foundation aims to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences to families facing financial strain due to their child's medical conditions.

2. 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! sunshine foundation

3. The Original Wish Granting Organization, founded in 1976. The only national organization answering the dreams of children with severe chronic conditions that may not be life-threatening. Bill Sample, a Philadelphia police officer , started the foundation after working with a children’s hospital for many years. sunshine foundation

4. Since 1976, Sunshine Foundation has made over 34,500 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. sunshine foundation

5. 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 sunshine foundation

7. 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 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. sunshine foundation

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

15. 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.

16. What Makes Us Shine : Only “A” rated 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 experiences 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. 14 all-volunteer chapters around the U.S. sunshine foundation

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

18. sunshine foundation “ The happiness he felt was remarkable! Pure joy!” - Jeremy’s mom “ It’s been a lot of NO’s from a lot of different places…so it was nice to have a dream like this come true” - Aidan’s mom

19. Volunteers sunshine foundation

21. 2011 Dream Village Events April 30 – Spring Family Fair May 21 – 5K Run4Dreams October 28 – Masquerade Ball sunshine foundation

22. Upcoming Plans sunshine foundation

23. Adding New Amenities: Therapeutic Riding Center Fishing Pond sunshine foundation

24. Sunshine Foundation Dream Village

25. Ways YOU Can Help! Adopt a Cottage ($30,000) Adopt a Dream ($5,000) Designate Sunshine Foundation (in your employee or planned giving campaigns) 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, village grounds, advisory council) Contact us: 800-457-1976 or rich@sunshinefoundation.org sunshine foundation

26. "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, Sunshine Foundation sunshine foundation Contact Rich Mergo at [email_address] or 800-457-1976 for a personal tour www.sunshinefoundation.org