Sunshine Foundation’s sole purpose is to answer the dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children ages three to eighteen, whose families cannot fulfill their requests due to financial strain that the child’s illness may cause. The Sunshine Foundation has been in existence since 1976 and was started in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by a police officer who encountered chronically ill children and wanted to add some “sunshine” to their lives. This tradition has continued and thrived in Mercer County. The Mercer County, All Volunteer Chapter, has operated for nearly a decade, bringing “sunshine” to many children’s lives.

2017

For nearly a decade, Sgt. Benjamin L. Miller has participated in, and represented Hightstown Borough, as an ambassador to the Mercer County Sunshine Foundation Operation Dreamlift.  This event, held on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at the National Guard Base in Ewing, again delivered countless smiles to children who enjoyed a day at Disneyworld.

The Sunshine Foundation’s sole purpose is to answer the dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged, and abused children ages three to eighteen; for thirty (30) years, the Sunshine Foundation has been spreading cheer, hope, and fulfilling dreams of deserving children in the Mercer County area.

Sgt. Miller stated, “It is always heartwarming to stand next to my brothers and sisters and provide these children with a well-deserved sendoff.  The smiles and excitement expressed on the faces of approximately 100 children is priceless, and a reminder of why I entered this career path; being a part of this event is a small example of how law enforcement gives back to the community on a daily, routine basis.”

2016

On Tuesday, May 03, 2016, Operation Dreamlift, fulfilled, once again, the dreams of nearly 100 children from the Mercer County area, providing a day of “sunshine” at Walt Disney World. This event was celebrated by local law enforcement officers throughout Mercer County, sheriff departments, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, federal law enforcement agencies, and military partners, who serve as an honor guard for the departure of the airplane, and assist the children into the plane.

This year, Sgt. Benjamin L. Miller, of the Hightstown Borough Police Department, who has participated in this event for approximately seven (7) years, had the honor of bringing a fifteen (15) year old student from East Windsor Township, to the event. Sgt. Miller said, “It was a privilege to honor these amazing children and to celebrate their abilities. Events like Operation Dreamlift are the little reminders we in law enforcement give to ourselves on why we entered into law enforcement and an example of the good police officers do on a daily basis. It is always fun to stand with my brother and sister officers, in making a difference in a child’s life and bringing a smile to their face.”