Sunshine Foundation

Sunshine Foundation answers the dreams of children, ages three through eighteen, who have severe or profound physical/developmental/intellectual challenges or trauma from physical/sexual abuse, and whose families have limited income.

Sunshine Foundation, established in 1976 by Bill Sample, a Philadelphia police officer, has impacted the lives of more than 42,500 children over almost 48 years. The disadvantaged children we serve from income-limited families suffer from chronic, life-long illnesses and conditions, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, spastic quadriplegia, level 3 severe autism, brain and spinal injuries, Type 1 diabetes, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental illness, trauma from abuse, and numerous other life-long conditions.

These once-in-a-lifetime, Dreams Come True, have a lasting impact on the children and their family members. The parents or guardians of the children share with us that these moments of joy are their happiest memories. The memories of laughter and fun have helped their child during current struggles and will help them during future struggles. These dreams provide a bright spot in their childhood that has been filled with on-going hospital treatments, surgeries, and therapies.

Sunshine Foundation is the highest rated national wish-granting organization in the United States according to Charity Navigator and CharityWatch. Sunshine Foundation is also the only national wish-granting charity that does not require a life-threatening or critical condition to have a dream or wish answered. Sunshine’s biggest need is funding to help answer the dreams of these very deserving children facing a life-long medical condition or illness.