SIJCC Sunrise Day Camp Raises more than $200K from SunriseWALKS

Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island held its second walk on June 4

Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island, a camp for children with cancer and their siblings, held its 2nd Annual SunriseWALKS event on Sunday, June 4th. The Jewish Community Center of Staten Island operates this summer day camp, which takes place in collaboration with Catholic Charities of Staten Island on the campus of Mount Loretto. The camp is provided free of charge to the children’s families so that they do not have to worry about the funds for this unforgettable summer experience for their children who are more familiar with hospitals and treatment than days filled with fun.

More than 400 participants, children and adults from all parts of Staten Island, walked shoulder to shoulder with members from the corporate community to provide this unforgettable summer experience for these children. Together with many others who contributed to this important cause, they helped raise over $217,000. Raising money and strengthening the community unites families and the community to support its mission to allow kids with cancer and their siblings to attend camp for free each summer.

Evelyn Rogers, JCC Volunteer Walk Coordinator and Sunrise Day Camp Advisory Committee Member along with Sydney Avis, Event Coordinator supervised the more than 100 volunteers, which included twenty members from Goldman Sachs, ensuring that the event went smoothly. Avis stated that, “Following the walk, we had a carnival with vendor tables, food trucks, carnival games, a dunk tank, solar car and a special visit from Staten Island Yankee Mascot Scooter the Holy Cow on hand to entertain the children.”

Sunrise Day Camp Advisory Committee Co-Chairs Solomon Chemo & Cory Schifter said, “We are so proud to be part of a community where people young and old can come together for a great cause”. Gail Castellano, JCCSI President states, “ I am pleased to be able to spread the awareness and importance of this camp and share our story with everyone.”

Kevin Brosnick, JCC Director of Individual Giving added, “Every donation helps us change the way we improve the lives of the many children with cancer and their siblings here on Staten Island”.

For more information or how you can support Sunrise Day Camp or SunriseWALKS, please contact Kevin Brosnick, JCC Director of Individual giving at kbrosnick@sijcc.com.