Sunrise Highlights
We are so grateful to all of our donors who make our mission possible.
Donate to Send a Child Like Amelia to Camp this Summer
Meet Amelia, a brave little girl who has spent half her life battling cancer. Despite her challenges, Amelia’s spirit remains unbroken, and her love for life continues to shine.
Sunrise Day Camp has been a beacon of light in Amelia’s journey, enriching her childhood with unforgettable moments of joy, friendship and personal growth. Swimming and making friends are just some of the experiences Amelia cherishes at Sunrise.
“Sunrise has provided us with the priceless gift of allowing our child to still be a kid during a very difficult time. We are deeply grateful for all the support that Sunrise has offered and continues to offer.” –Amelia’s mom
This summer, we are going to give over 2,000 campers like Amelia the opportunity to attend our 100% free-of-charge day camps. We need your help to make this possible.
Your generosity can transform the lives of children with cancer and their siblings, helping them create lasting memories and find joy in their childhood.
Camper Profile – Joy for Zoey
Zoey & her family are ambassadors of SunriseWALKS Long Island on June 11
Anyone who knows Zoey knows that she’s a funny girl who loves telling “dad jokes,” taking pictures, playing sports and making movies. They know they need to work hard to keep up with this ball of energy! What they might not know is that in June of 2020, ball-of-energy Zoey, then age 9, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Zoey braved the year of intense treatment that followed with great courage and strength.
Zoey’s parents, Tamara and Wesley, explained that Zoey “had always had her quirks. She fell a lot, walked a little funny, and her speech was little off with a slight slur,” Tamara said. “But we just thought it was a part of growing up and that Zoey would outgrow these things. As parents, you don’t think anything is wrong with your child.”
Until it is. Three years ago, it became apparent that the quirks that Zoey’s family had thought were normal were being caused by a cancerous brain tumor – glioma of the brainstem. Zoey was admitted to inpatient care at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone in New York City. It was there that Zoey’s family met with an amazing neurologist team, who then introduced them to Dr. Sharon Gardner, Zoey’s oncologist.
“After a few days, Dr. Gardner sat me down to explain the one-year treatment plan she had created,” said Tamara. “Because of that treatment plan, as of today, Zoey is stable and no longer needs chemotherapy.” Zoey’s treatment now involves brain scans and follow-up labs, which are time consuming and costly but much less physically challenging.
Tamara shared that Dr. Gardner’s treatment went way beyond medicine. “Dr. Gardner knew of Zoey’s energetic, outgoing personality and helped Zoey stay a kid despite everything going on,” Tamara said. And it was Dr. Gardner who connected Zoey and her twin-sister Ziva with Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island
Zoey and Ziva were beyond thrilled to learn about Sunrise Day Camp and have been going ever since. Sunrise proved to be a game changer and a perfect fit, giving the girls a chance to enjoy the joys of childhood and the magic of summer. There, the twins most love splashing in the pool, cheering and singing during color war and spending time with their friends. “We can’t thank Sunrise enough for what they’ve done and continue to do,” said Tamara.
Sunrise Spotlight – A Sweet Supporter
Have you ever wondered who’s behind the delicious black-and-white cookies, crumb cakes and muffins given out to SunriseWALKS particpants? The sweet supporter we can thank is Glen Wolther, the president of All Round Foods Bakery Products in Jericho, New York. Glen has been a generous Sunrise supporter since 2016, fueling walkers and other event goers with his tasty treats while also providing generous monetary donations.
When Glen first learned of Sunrise, his stepson had been in recovery from leukemia. Supporting cancer-related causes hit close to home and the Sunrise mission resonated. “Sunrise is a wonderful charity and it’s amazing what you do for kids,” said Glen, adding that he also appreciates the personal relationships he’s formed with Sunrise over the years. Right back at you, Glen! We think your support for Sunrise is amazing and greatly appreciate your helping us further the mission and reach more and more families – while also keeping them well fed!
Sunrise Events – Fundraising Highlights
In the past month, we’ve held two incredibly successful annual fundraising events. We broke records on Wednesday, April 26 at our 10th Annual Rock the River Benefit Concert in Port Chester, NY. Together, we raised $650,000 for Sunrise Day Camp–Pearl River. A special thank you to honoree Eric Kahn, President & CEO of Friendly Auto Group and our host, CNN Anchor John Berman.
On Wednesday, May 10 we celebrated our 17th Annual Friends of Sunrise Cocktail Party & Auction at Glen Head Country Club in Glen Head, NY. Together, we raised over $900,000 for Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island. Congratulations to our honorees: Nicki & Ray Davoodi, Brooke & Eric Freeman and Rori & Jonathan Grant. And a special Sunrise shout out to Lawrence Scott Events for donating all the décor and ESP Productions for providing entertainment.
It’s the dedication of our event co-chairs, committee members and all of YOU who support that makes these nights hugely successful. From the bottom of our hearts – thank you!
Sunrise Event – HorizonWALKS Metro DC
Sunrise Association’s President and CEO Arnie Preminger hopped a 6 a.m. flight from Long Island in order to get to National Harbor in Maryland just in time for the opening ceremonies for HorizonWALKS Metro DC on the morning of May 21. The event was an incredible celebration of the 10th Sunrise Day Camp, which is operated in partnership with the Pozez JCC under the leadership of Executive Director Jeff Dannick, whom Arnie describes as “a visionary.” The community event raised nearly $80,000.
“It was worth every lost hour of sleep to be here with these incredible folks,” said Arnie. “Our Horizon Day Camp–Baltimore team was on hand to show their support, as well as staff from the Sunrise Association. Our DC Camp Director, JoEllen Kriss, was a former supervisor at our Long Island camp, and even some of the walkers got involved because of family connections in other “Sunrise cities.” All in all, the Metro DC walk showed what can be accomplished when multiple partners come together.
Sunrise News – Team Sunrise
RACE TO GIVE SUMMER BACK TO CHILDREN WITH CANCER
We are excited to announce that Team Sunrise is an official partner in the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon! We are looking forward to joining forces with the running community to continue our adventure into marathons – and we are looking for runners to join us in raising funds for Sunrise. If you or someone you know is interested in running this marathon or would like to be considered to run for Sunrise in other marathons, please email marykate.smith@sunriseassociation.org or visit the Team Sunrise page for more information. Bibs are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sunrise In the News
Click here to read about the University of Georgia’s Aurora Club, which hosts uplifting fundraising events and camper “fun days” for Sunrise’s Aurora Day Camp.
Fundraising Events
Please click on the event below that you are interested in.
July 17, 2023
Westchester Golf Outing
The 7th Annual Westchester Golf Outing benefiting Sunrise Day Camp–Pearl River is on Monday, July 17. This year, we are thrilled to expand our golf outing and have golf at two premier Westchester courses – Fenway Golf Club & Metropolis Country Club. Additional activities include tennis, cards, and shopping & lunch followed by cocktails and dinner at Fenway. Join us as we honor Justin Driscoll, President & CEO of New York Power Authority. For more information, visit westchestergolfouting.org.
August 7, 2023
Mildred & Samuel Levine Memorial Golf Classic
The 17th Annual Mildred & Samuel Levine Memorial Golf Classic will be on Monday, August 7. Golf will be held at three courses: The Seawane Club, Rockaway Hunting Club and Hempstead Golf & Country Club. In addition to golf, the event offers tennis & pickleball, cards & games, shopping & lunch, and cocktails & dinner. Join us as we celebrate and honor our 2023 honorees: George Brewster, Robert DiBiase, Stewart O’Brien, Terence O’Brien, Stuart Rabinowitz, and the Stern Family/Platsky Company. All proceeds benefit the children of Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island. Purchase tickets, sponsorships, journal ads and donate at levinegolfouting.org.
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SunriseWALKS is coming to an area near you!
SunriseWALKS Staten Island
June 4, 2023
Save the date for SunriseWALKS Staten Island, which will once again be held at Community Park, home of the Staten Island FerryHawks baseball team.
SunriseWALKS Long Island
June 11, 2023
Register today to help raise critical funds and awareness for Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island. Then walk with us at our Wheatley Heights campgrounds to celebrate our 18th year and our Sunrise campers!
