Sunrise Highlights
We are so grateful to all of our donors who make our mission possible.
Sunrise on Wheels is welcoming volunteers who can join us consistently (at least two to three times per month) at:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Manhattan, East Side):
Mondays from 1 PM to 5 PM
New York Presbyterian/Columbia (Manhattan, Upper West Side):
Mondays from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (Bronx):
Wednesdays or Thursdays from 10 AM to 4 PM (shorter sessions available)
For more information on how to join our amazing volunteer team, please contact: Cindy Harwin, Regional Director of Sunrise on Wheels (NY/NJ), Sunrise Association at cindy@sunriselongisland.org
Sunrise on Wheels – Hospital Volunteer Program (NYC)
Sunrise on Wheels is a truly heartwarming and fun-filled year-round in-hospital program to come out of our Sunrise Day Camp summer program. It brings the exciting and magical day camp experience to the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology departments of many of our area hospitals.
Throughout the year, many children spend countless hours sitting in the waiting rooms of outpatient clinics, or even longer days and weeks as an inpatient. These experiences can be long, monotonous, and even frightening. That’s when we step in.
Caring and dedicated Sunrise staff and volunteers happily wheel in rainbow-colored trunks bursting with toys, games, crafts and activities right into our affiliated hospitals—transforming what can often be a difficult and scary day into a day of laughter-filled, camp-like fun!
The Wheels team complements hospital staff by engaging patients in one-on-one activities and fun. They also recognize siblings’ needs and offer parents and caregivers respite.
Thank You PCSB Bank for Supporting Sunrise Day Camp-Pearl River!
Sunrise Day Camp Pearl River is proud of its long-standing partnership with PCSB Bank. Since 2017, when President and CEO Joseph D. Roberto was honored at the inaugural Sunrise Pearl River Golf Outing, the bank and its employees have played an important role at camp and in all the fundraising events that take place throughout the year: Rock the River, Pearl River Golf Outing and Sunrise WALKS where the PCSB brings one of the largest corporate teams of Walkers to the event! We are grateful for their ongoing support and look forward to bringing back one of our favorite days at camp next summer, the PCSB World Records Day!
CapitalOne Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations to Gary Raisig for being awarded as the CapitalOne Volunteer of the Year for his support and dedication to the Sunrise Association!
Gary has served as a SunriseWALKS Long Island event chair for the past 2 years and launched the first ever Sunrise Association Corporate Endurance Challenge, the Capital One Banking Your Miles Challenge. More than 400 Capital One employees have completed the challenge and raised over $50,000 during March 2021.
Thank you, Gary and Capital One! We are grateful for your continued support for the Sunrise Association!
Rock the River for Pearl River Returns April 28!
Rock the River is BACK! Our beloved concert to benefit Sunrise Day Camp-Pearl River is back IN-PERSON at the Capitol Theatre.
Mark your calendars! On April 28, we will take you back to the 80’s with the world’s greatest 80’s cover band, Jessie’s Girl! This year, the event will honor Allison & Larry Fehrenbaker and their dedication to the children of Sunrise Day Camp – Pearl River.
Purchase your tickets or sponsorships today at www.rocktheriverforsunrise.org.
Sunrise on the Rocks
Join our Young Professionals Committee at the 14th Annual Sunrise on the Rocks event, taking place this Saturday, March 5 at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar in Manhattan. Tickets are still available at sunriseontherocks.org.
Can’t make it? You can still show your support by participating in our online auction! Click the link to start bidding today! Auction closes at 10 PM on Saturday, March 5.
Sunrise Love Stories
Nicole and Aaron – Sunrise Day Camp-Long Island
It all started on Orientation Day 2014, when Aaron first laid eyes on Nicole, who was standing all by herself. While Aaron had been a camper turned counselor, this was only Nicole’s first year at Sunrise Day Camp. What started off as a good friendship blossomed into a beautiful love story.
Nicole credits Justin, a special camper who suffered from brain cancer, for bringing the two together. “Our relationship really blossomed in taking care of Justin. I knew in my heart he was a special soul. Aaron and I took turns taking care of him.”
Although Aaron and Nicole met in the summer of 2014, their love story didn’t unfold until February 2015. Seven years later, the two are going strong with their wonderful dog, Jessie. They continue to honor the magic of Sunrise by donating every year and participating in the walks.
“Sunrise is in our blood. It’s our story, and we are forever grateful for everything it’s given to us and the campers!” No matter how many years go by, the magic and love of Sunrise continue to shine on our campers and counselors alike.
Even across the pond, Sunrise is inspiring love stories.
Dana and Dubi – Sunrise Israel Center
Dana was the unit head of Nitzanim (the younger age group unit), while Dubi was a counselor in Amitim (the older age unit. The two love birds met at camp, fell in love, married, and now have a beautiful baby boy named Roi.
Nohar and Ma’ayan – Sunrise Israel South
Nohar was the in-hospital program coordinator in Be’er Sheva and May’ayan was a counselor at Sunrise Day Camp in Israel. They met at Sunrise Day Camp, fell in love, and now live happily with their kids.
Please note: Sunrise Association policy requires that all event attendees be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Please bring proof of your Covid-19 vaccination to the event. In-person events will be held in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including local, state, and CDC guidelines, to protect the health and welfare of our staff and guests.
