Project Sunshine and FSA Help Pediatric Patients with Community Fundraiser |

This semester Sun Project and the Faculty Student Association (FSA) organized three events to make a difference in the lives of pediatric patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

Project Sunshine is a nonprofit organization with chapters on college campuses across the country. Their mission is to provide free social, educational and recreational programs to children and their families facing medical problems. The Stony Brook University chapter is dedicated to weekly volunteer work at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, as well as leading campus initiatives to support children and families. They seek to restore a sense of normalcy in the pediatric care environment and to encourage children in treatment.

“The events we have organized with the FSA, such as plant sale and tie-dye fundraiser, allow Project Sunshine to bring sunshine to a cloudy day for pediatric patients through hands-on and fun activities. “, has explained Section Chief Juliana Welke.

During the welcome week, Antoine Gentile, FSA Manager of Machine Operated Services, has donated more than 100 spider, fig and avocado plants which he has planted and maintained in his own home. “It gives me great pleasure to donate plants to such a worthy cause where they can be sold to raise funds to help children and families facing difficult times and to brighten up students’ days when they move into. their residences with their special plant. ” he said. The welcome week plant sale raised nearly $ 1,000 for the national organization. This money will be used to provide more programs and activities for children across the country.

The Sending Sunshine event brought together FSA employees and students from Project Sunshine to assemble craft kits that are then sent to patients in hospitals across the country. The materials arouse joy and add therapeutic value to the process of physical and emotional healing.

“Our goal as an organization is to let children be children and just let them play and have fun despite their circumstances. We are extremely grateful to the FSA for all of their help and support in bringing these events to life, and to the Stony Brook community for participating in our events and supporting the cause, ”said Welk.

On September 29, the collaborative fundraiser “Tie-dye and sun“ was hosted outside of West Side Dining, where the Stony Brook community made their own tie-dye clothing (socks, hats, and t-shirts). Those who donated to the fundraiser had the opportunity to ride a smoothie bike to the Wellness Table with Laura Martorano, CulinArt Campus Dietitian. Kelly Quad RA Pujan Patel joined the event by offering outdoor games such as Giant Jenga, Checkers and Tic Tac Toe, and WUSB Radio broadcast live.

“FSA has worked with Project Sunshine for several years, and it is an organization close to my heart. We are excited to host events that not only bring the campus community together, but also help student groups achieve their goals of helping others in need, ”said Angela Agnello, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications of the FSA.

Project Sunshine runs various campaigns on campus throughout the semester to bring donations to children and families at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Please follow @pssbu and @sbufsa for more information on the December toy drive and drop-off locations.