www.sunshinefoundation.org
Below are pictures of the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village in Loughman Florida which sits on 22 acres of scrub oaks, tall pines and palmettos. The atmosphere in the village is best described as quiet and peaceful. You will see all nine (9) cottages, a handicap accessible swimming pool, a miniature golf course and a handicap accessible playground among other things. The families will be staying here at one of these cottages. All nine (9) cottages are themed differently. Most of the time the families have the choice of which cottage they want to stay in. The village is approximately 20 minutes from Disney World and other familiy attractions. We had the privilage of visiting the Dream Village in October of 2008 during our own vacation to Florida and it is truely amazing. To be able to stand on the grounds and picture the families being able to be there due to so many people who contributed to our tournament was one of the most satisfying feelings I have ever experienced. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to this cause. Enjoy the pictures.
2009 Tournament Beneficiary - Ellianna
This is Ellianna. She has Spina Bifida at the age of four (4). Ellianna made a tremendous impact on our rain shortened tournament in 2009. With pouring rain and flooded softball fields, Ellianna brought the sunshine. I have to say that this is the most intelligent and mature four (4) year old that we have ever met. Once the word spread about Ellianna's arrival, people soon started to flood the tent that was put up just for Ellianna and her family. She suddenly became the center piece of all of the photos being taken. She was gladly posing with any team or players who were willing to take a picture with her. There was one condition that had to be met if she was in a picture - she had to be shown the picture before the next one could be taken. Anyone taking a picture soon became accustomed to hearing "Let me see" from Ellianna. If she liked it, she said "Ok". If she did not like it, she would say "I don't like it, take another one!". She knew that this was her day and she wanted it to be as perfect as possible. Ellianna's mom has an undeniable positive outlook on the gift that she was given in Ellianna. We have only been in touch with Ellianna's mom for a few months and we feel like we have known her for years. Ellianna's family contributed way more than expected as they wanted this day to be just as big for Ellianna as we did. They helped us get the word out by spreading flyers, contacting newspapers and even getting us monetary donations by their respective employers. We have received more positive comments from the coaches of the participating teams. One coach called us a day later to tell us that even though they drove 1 1/2 hours to get to our tournament, playing only one game was worth the trip once they saw the impact that Ellianna had on the day. We had a trophy made up for Ellianna. Something that she could keep with her for years to come. The text on the trophy simply reminded her that she is our MVP. She was also presented with an MVP medal just like the players received which can be seen in the picture above. We don't have enough space here to explain the impact that Ellianna made on us and everyone involved on June 20th 2009. The bottom line is her dream will be granted in September 2009 as she leaves for the Sunshine Foundation's Dream Village for one week while visiting all the main attractions in central Florida. Our mission will continue for another child in 2010. Join us and experience a feeling that is irreplaceable.
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2008 Tournament Beneficiary - Georgianna
11-29-08 - We had the priviledge to meet up with one of the families. Pictured below is Georgianna with her mom and one of the tournament directors/organizers, Brenda. Georgianna is a vibrant fourteen (14) year old with plenty of energy to spread around to those who meet her. Georgianna is multi-disabled. She enjoy's doing puzzles to pass her time when she is not at school and according to mom, "She loves to eat". Neither Georgianna or her five (5) other family members have ever been to Florida - until now. Because of the generosity of numerous businesses, organizations, people and the sixteen (16) fast pitch softball travel teams that played in our tournament, their journey is set to begin in March 2009. The family will be staying at the Sunshine Foundation's Dream Village for one (1) week and will get a chance to visit Disney World and other attractions during their stay. For one (1) week, Georgianna and her family can forget about the challenges that face them on a daily basis in their everyday lives back home and focus on something different for a change. When we asked Georgianna's mom how she felt about going to Florida she replied "This is a blessing!" It would be very hard for the family to go on a vacation otherwise. We asked the mother of five (5) how she manages Georgianna and the others, she replied "People pitch in and help and we manage." Her attitude and outlook is very positive and she deals with what she is dealt with. The family was turned on to the Sunshine Foundation by a suggestion from a family advocate. The one thing that astounds me about the parents of disabled children is the challenge that they face on a dialy basis. Very rarely will they get a break from their parental duties. I was once told that certain people become parents of disabled children for a reason. Simply being chosen out of billions of other people in this world. Life works in strange ways and sometimes life sees more in us than we see in ourselves. When we ask ourselves how we are going to get through something, we are shown a way. Families of disabled children do not want sympathy for the situation that they are in. We believe they just want to be like any other family. The next time you see a family with a disabled child, don't shy away or feel sorry for them. Say hello to them and the child just like you would with anyone else. Internally we all function the same. We all have the same needs. We are all here for the same reason, to lead, to love and help others. How you exercise those options is up to you. In 2009, we are going to do this all over again. We ask that you keep us in mind and help us with our cause if you are able. There is no better feeling than helping others in need. That is our goal and that is what the Sunshine Foundation is all about.
"A smile happens in a flash, but it's memory can last a lifetime".