Sunshine Foundation Dreamlift flies special needs kids to Disney

TRENTON, NJ., -- On Tuesday, May 1, 2018, the all-volunteer Mercer County Chapter of the Sunshine Foundation has scheduled its 31st Annual Mercer County Dreamlift at the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, located at 152 Scotch Rd, West Trenton, NJ. The plane full of children (approximately 80-100 children) will know that same joy, as they depart for the Magic Kingdom bursting with excitement and anticipation of seeing their dream come true. The Dreamlift is a unique opportunity that gives children with illness some much needed hope and allows them to forget about their challenges, if only for a day. For many of these children, this trip is a once in a lifetime experience. Since the Sunshine Foundation started its Dreamlift Program, over 5,000 children from cities across the United States have benefited. Festivities start at 6:30am, takeoff at 8:00am sharp.

Along with the children and their chaperones, numerous volunteers help make this a day to remember. Off duty New Jersey State Troopers and Police Officers and the United States Secret Service act as "Lifters," carrying the children on and off the aircraft and they escort the children throughout the Park. Superheroes, mascots, local schools, community members and distinguished guests gather to see these special children off on this magical day.

This will be the Sunshine Foundation's 97th Dreamlift, representing thousands of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically/mentally challenged and abused children who have seen their dream of visiting Walt Disney World become a reality through this wonderful event. Imagine their joy as they enter this fantasyland filled with sights and sounds they had seen on TV but never believed they would experience themselves.
Sunshine Foundation, the original Wish Granting Organization, was founded on the belief that every child should get to see a Dream Come True. Philadelphia Police Officer, Bill Sample, founded the Sunshine Foundation in 1976, and since its inception, over 40,000 dreams have been answered for seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children nationwide. As the world's first wish granting organization, Sunshine has served as a model for similar organizations.

Coverage cordially invited: If a representative from your station would like to take part in this memorable day by reporting live the morning of May 1st, contact Mercer County Chapter President Cathy DiCostanzo at cathydicostanzo@aol.com.

SEE WHAT A DREAM CAN DO…