The iconic Camp Sunshine Polar Dip Series recently concluded and raised $217,000 this winter. Local teams from the Northeast to the Mid-Atlantic participated in local dips, plunging into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, lakes, rivers and several different polar pools! “We’re thankful that we can still count on people to unpack their swimsuits each winter and take a quick dip into freezing cold water to support Camp Sunshine,” said Michael Smith, Development Director at Camp Sunshine”. A couple seconds of cold are nothing in comparison to what Camp Sunshine families face on a daily basis. This is an easy way to help support your community and we saw a lot of new faces this year!”
Funds were raised by teams and individuals who committed to taking the icy plunge. In total, 552 participants registered to participate in one of the nine dips. “As incredible as it is to think that 552 people were able to raise more than $217,000, the fundraising component is just part of the goal of these events,” said Michael Katz, Executive Director at Camp Sunshine. “Equally as important is the awareness we bring to each area where we host these events. Our goal has always been to reach out to even more families who can utilize our services. The polar dips provide a great platform to help spread the word.”
The funds enable children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to enjoy the award-winning Camp Sunshine on Sebago Lake in Maine free-of-charge. At Camp, they join other families on similar journeys and experience the benefits of empathy and encouragement, recovery and recreation, and hope and inspiration. In all, 23 illness-specific sessions will be hosted at Camp Sunshine in 2018. If you are or know a family with a child who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, please consider referring their family to Camp Sunshine. Applications can be found online or by emailing info@campsunshine.org.
About Camp Sunshine
Founded in 1984, Camp Sunshine provides retreats combining respite, recreation and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through the various stages of a child’s illness. Camp Sunshine’s program is offered year-round and has the distinction of having been designed to serve the entire family in a retreat model. The program is free of charge to families and includes on-site medical and psychosocial support. Bereavement sessions are also offered for families who have experienced the death of a child from a supported illness. For more information, visit www.campsunshine.org.
