Let the Sunshine In: New York City Kicks Off Fifth Annual Project Sunshine Week

NEW YORK, May 5, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ ----As if on cue, the sun rose high over New York City Monday morning, setting the perfect scene for the first day of Project Sunshine Week, a week each year during which national and local businesses raise funds and awareness of New York city-based non-profit, Project Sunshine. Founded just over ten years ago by one college student, Project Sunshine has grown into a global network of volunteers who bring free educational, recreational and social programs to children and families in hospitals.

In the past decade, Project Sunshine has grown to include over 3000 volunteer events annually in 33 states and 75 cities across the United States, Canada, China, Israel, Kenya, and Puerto Rico, each run by volunteers who donate their time, energy and skills to help children and families cope with the stresses of living with a medical difficulty. Volunteers engage children in arts and crafts activities, tutoring, entertainment and special events. Through an ongoing partnership with Origins Natural Resources, volunteers also provide stress relief to parents with in-hospital mini-spas.

"We are so grateful for the way in which the city of New York has embraced Project Sunshine Week, now in its fifth year," said Amy Saperstein, Executive Director, Project Sunshine. "Our Project Sunshine Week partners, including the City, help create awareness and build the kind of support we need to continue to bring hope and happiness to the children and families we are honored to serve throughout the year."

An Official New York City Celebration

The celebration kicks off today with an official lighting ceremony at the Empire State Building, which will glow yellow in honor of the beginning of Project Sunshine Week, and the continued goodwill of New Yorkers who give of their time for those in need.

The city will also show its support for Project Sunshine with a proclamation from New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg that May 5th through 12th is officially Project Sunshine Week.

Star-Studded Gala

A week from today, Project Sunshine will host the Fifth Annual Project Sunshine Gala on Monday, May 12th, at the Waldorf Astoria. The theme of the evening is "Sunshine Vibe" honoring Rick Cummings, President, Radio Division of Emmis Communications (Hot 97.1, 98.7 Kiss FM and 101.9 RXP).

The black-tie, star-studded night will include celebrity entrances on the Project Sunshine "Yellow Carpet," and live performances featuring DJ Funk Master Flex and popular recording artist Ingrid Michaelson, whose songs have been featured on Grey's Anatomy and in a recent Old Navy commercial.

During Project Sunshine Week, Our Exclusive Partners Raise Awareness and Support

 In celebration of Project
   Sunshine Week: -- Origins Natural Resources will donate 100% of the net sales of Sunshine State(TM) SPF 20 Sunscreen in all
   their 130 stores. -- On Friday, May 9th Macy's 75 East Coast stores will be doing "A Day of Sunshine" at each Origins counter
   promoting Project Sunshine. -- Helen Ficalora, jeweler to the stars, has designed a special Sunshine Charm to debut in her
   New York City and Beverly Hills stores with a portion of sales to go to Project Sunshine. -- Leiber, American luxury brand,
   has created a Project Sunshine key chain for sale exclusively in her Madison Avenue store, with a percentage of sales to go
   to Project Sunshine. -- Stuart Weitzman has designed a yellow flat this season, dubbed the "Archie." A percentage of proceeds
   from sales of the Archie this week will go to Project Sunshine. -- On Wednesday, May 7th, Frette, the leading provider of
   luxury linens to the finest hotels and homes, will be donating 20 percent of their sales to Project Sunshine. 

About Project Sunshine

Project Sunshine is a nonprofit organization that provides free social, educational and recreational programs and services to children living with medical challenges and their families. Project Sunshine sends volunteers to visit hospitalized children to provide arts and crafts, tutoring, entertainment, and special events. With 3000 Annual events, chapters in 33 states and 75 cities across the United States, Canada, China, Israel, Kenya, and Puerto Rico, Project Sunshine's 10,000 volunteers serve 100,000 children and families each year. Project Sunshine is dedicated to bringing a ray of hope for these children. Project Sunshine Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness and support for the organization through a series of events and programs. For more information, visit www.projectsunshine.org.

SOURCE Project Sunshine

http://www.projectsunshine.org
   

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