CAUSING AN EFFECT: Sunshine Kids Foundation

This month’s featured nonprofit is the Sunshine Kids Foundation. Each year, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services — Florida Realty hosts a Bad Pants Bash Gala locally to raise money for the Sunshine Kids Foundation. Although the event was rescheduled from last fall due to Hurricane Irma, the party will go on at the Rosen Shingle Creek from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. To learn more or purchase tickets, call (407) 876-2090 or visit sskorlando.com.

What is the Sunshine Kids Foundation?

“It’s an organization that supports children with cancer and gives them experiences to take away from their treatment,” said Dore Baratta, a real-estate agent with BHHS Florida. “It offers experience for kids throughout the United States. For the local kids in Orlando, it has events for them throughout the year at places (such as) Legoland and Dave & Buster’s. It just immerses them in fun things for that time period.” 

Specifically, Sunshine Kids adds quality of life to children with cancer by providing them with exciting, positive group activities so they can have fun and enjoy life.

How long has Sunshine Kids been around?

The Sunshine Kids Foundation is based in Texas and was founded in 1982, thus celebrating its 36th anniversary this year.

How many children has Sunshine Kids impacted?

Thousands of children from hospitals across the country have had the opportunity to enjoy the Sunshine Kids Foundation’s many programs, events and benefits.

How long has Berkshire Hathaway Home Services worked with Sunshine Kids?

“Here in this area (Central Florida), I would say at least the last five years,” Baratta said.

As a national company, BHHS has worked with Sunshine Kids for more than 25 years.

Is there a fundraising goal for this year’s Bad Pants Bash Gala?

About $30,000. But BHHS as a whole is usually able to contribute around $300,000 total per year.

Why do you enjoy working with Sunshine Kids?

“It’s the experience of seeing these kids happy and enjoying themselves,” Baratta said. “To have them have a break from everyday drama of what they go through medically (is great).”

What can guests expect from the Bad Pants Bash Gala?

“We have some very good signature drinks, but it’s a fun evening,” Baratta said. “There’s a great silent and live auction and we have an excellent deejay. It’s a great social and networking evening but in support of kids, with the opportunity to have a great time and give to the kids.”

How can someone get involved?

To view local fundraisers, learn more about Sunshine Kids, donate or get involved, visit sunshinekids.org/contactus.html to locate and contact your regional Sunshine Kids office.

Causing an Effect is a monthly feature that introduces a charity or philanthropic organization and highlights its impact on the local community. If you would like to be featured in a future Causing an Effect, contact Black Tie Editor Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].