East Hampton - Harley Braun is a senior at the Ross School and deeply committed to the community, but also hopes to raise funds for a worthy organization elsewhere. As a Senior Project Braun has chosen to plan a carnival with proceeds to benefit Camp Sunshine in Maine. Harley's appeal to the community and her explanation as to why this particular organization is below.

"Hi, my name is Harley Braun and I am currently in my senior year at the Ross School in East Hampton, New York. One of the many great opportunities the Ross School Community offers is the senior project, a chance for 12th graders to create their own area of study. Students are given time to focus on a topic of our choice that is most interesting to us. I can wholeheartedly say that since my experience at Camp Sunshine, there was nothing more I wanted to do than give back and support this UNBELIEVABLE PLACE. I am hoping you will feel the same, and together we can make a difference.

"Camp Sunshine's mission is to support children with life threatening illnesses and their families. It is a year-round retreat, accommodating 40 families each session at no cost to them. It is a public, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, relying on the support of volunteers and donations. This organization is one of the only programs in the nation that focuses on the impact a diagnosis of a terminal illness has on the families. I stress the word families because it is truly about giving each and every member the same love and attention. Although this is a topic that often gets overlooked, when an individual is forced to fight for his/her life, the family in the household is fighting right along with them. At Camp Sunshine, children are in a safe environment where they can have fun and build relationships with new friends and volunteers, while the parents are given time to themselves to attend seminars and convene with other families facing similar issues. Camp Sunshine offers three meals each day, 24/7 onsite medical, psychological and counseling services, and recreational facilities. Over 30,000 Individuals from diverse backgrounds have met at this special place to share this experience. Located on Sebago Lake, in Casco, Maine, these families escape to find comfort, love and a week of pure happiness.

"My focus for this year is to have a Camp Sunshine Carnival @ Ross on Saturday, November 14 [1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Field House of the Ross Lower School in Bridgehampton]. All proceeds will go specifically to sponsoring families to attend this camp. It costs $1,500 to send one family to Camp Sunshine, which, on top of medical bills becomes very difficult for them to provide. Please help me by supporting this cause. Every little bit counts and your efforts and contributions will be greatly appreciated and recognized. Here are some ways that you can show support.

 • Gift certificates/coupons
 • Gifts for raffles and/or prizes
 • Food/beverages
 • Cash/donations made payable to "Camp Sunshine" or directly to my fundraising website.

"The memories and bonding experiences that these families have at Camp Sunshine help them to move forward and get through these tough times together. Please help give this unique gift to every deserving family. Thank you in advance for your generosity!"

For more information or to contact Harley directly email Hbraun10@ross.org.