QUEENS CELEBRATES PROJECT SUNSHINE DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH IN APRIL

Project Sunshine celebrates National Volunteer Month in April by recognizing its dedicated corps of volunteers who bring free recreational, educational and social programming to hospitalized children in New York City, across the United States and internationally. The nonprofit organization will host volunteer appreciation events at Project Sunshine locations throughout the city to show its gratitude to the individuals who bring sunshine into the lives of children facing medical challenges and their families.

Queens residents interested in volunteering for Project Sunshine can check out http://www.projectsunshine.org/ for volunteer opportunities throughout Queens.

“The month of April is a time for Project Sunshine to say thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors and community members who bring sunshine into the lives of children facing medical challenges,” said Beatrice Kernan, Executive Director, Project Sunshine. “This month aims to celebrate and honor the compassionate individuals who are truly the heart of the organization and make our programs possible.”

For more than a decade, Project Sunshine has been bringing its own form of light to the city that never sleeps. During this special month, both national and local businesses will band together to raise funds and awareness for the organization. New York City will show its support for Project Sunshine with proclamations from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declaring April 28 – May 5, 2016 as Project Sunshine Week.

On Thursday, May 5th, Project Sunshine will host its Annual Benefit Celebration, “Sunshine Boulevard,” at Cipriani 42nd Street. The event honors Susan DeVore, President and CEO of Premier, Inc. The “Volunteer Appreciation Award” will be given to Kate Tylis, a devoted volunteer for many years.

In support of Project Sunshine Month, Helen Ficalora designed a special sterling silver Sunshine Charm, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Project Sunshine throughout the year, available only at www.projectsunshine.org. In addition, Ficalora also launched a 14k gold Sunshine Charm, with 25% of proceeds going to the organization during Project Sunshine Month and throughout the year. The charm is available in yellow, white and pink gold. For more information, please visit www.helenficalora.com.

About Project Sunshine

Project Sunshine is a nonprofit organization that empowers a dynamic and dedicated corps of over 15,000 volunteers to bring programming – recreational (arts), educational (tutoring and mentoring) and social service (HIV and nutritional counseling) – to over 100,000 children facing medical challenges and their families in 175 major cities across the United States and in four international locations: Canada, China, Israel, and Kenya. The enrichment programming allows brave young patients to reach academic and developmental milestones and to find the courage and coping skills necessary to confront challenges ahead. Project Sunshine Week - from April 28 to May 5 – is a week dedicated to raising awareness and support for the organization through a series of events and programs. For more information and ways you can get involved, visit www.projectsunshine.org. Check out Project Sunshine on Twitter @ProjectSunshine, Facebook www.facebook.com/ProjectSunshineUSA and Instagram @ProjectSunshine.