Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

Project Sunshine has partnered with the Faculty Student Association (FSA) to organize and host a fun and interactive event to help children at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. On Wednesday, December 1, head over to East Side Dining from 1 pm to 2:30 pm to join others to make holiday cards for pediatric patients. As you get into the holiday spirit, listen to performances by the Stony Brook Vocalists while sipping complimentary hot cocoa provided by FSA.

Project sunshine holiday hero article photoProject Sunshine is a nonprofit organization with chapters on college campuses across the country. Their mission is to provide free social, educational, and recreational programming for children and their families as they face medical challenges. Stony Brook University’s chapter is dedicated to volunteering weekly at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, as well as leading initiatives on campus in support of the children and families there. They seek to restore a sense of normalcy to the pediatric healthcare environment and spread cheer to the children undergoing treatment. 

Anthony (Tony) Gentile, facilities manager for FSA, donated dozens of plants that he nurtured in his own home for Project Sunshine to use for their fundraiser. “It warms my heart when we are able to collaborate with student groups to help them achieve their goals and bring the campus community together,” stated Gentile.

Juliana Welk ‘22, Biology, Project Sunshine chapter leader, explains, “Through our plant sale, this event will raise funds for Project Sunshine, which goes toward providing much needed resources to pediatric patients.” These resources include Sending Sunshine kits, which are craft and activity kits that are sent to children’s hospitals across the country and other programs as per the discretion of Project Sunshine Nationals. Meanwhile, the cards made at the event will be sent to children at local hospitals to read. 

Project Sunshine holds many other fundraising events throughout the year. These include their annual Masquerade ball in February, the recent Tie-Dye fundraiser, plant sales, and benefit shows, among others. Sending Sunshines are hosted monthly so that craft kits can be put together and sent out to pediatric patients nationwide.