Celebrity supporters celebrate Project Sunshine

Celebrity supporters celebrate Project Sunshine|Celebrity supporters celebrate Project Sunshine
|Photo by Hal Lyman

More than 500 Project Sunshine friends and supporters gathered at the Hilton New York for the Ninth Annual Project Sunshine Benefit “Sunshine in the City” honoring Michael J. Dowling, president and CEO, North Shore-LIJ Health System on May 1.

Project Sunshine, a New York City-based charity, celebrated its annual week of service, Project Sunshine Week, from April 24 – May 1.

Starting with proclamations from Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the week focused on raising funds and awareness for the organization, culminating with the Annual Project Sunshine Benefit.

“Sunshine in the City” kicked off as Dionne Warwick, N.Y. Giant David Diehl, Sports Illustrated model Chrissy Teigen and many other celebs walked Project Sunshine’s “Yellow Carpet” and enjoyed cocktails before dinner. Maurice DuBois of WCBS and Meredith Vieira of NBC News were the Masters of Ceremonies for the evening.

Guests enjoyed entertainment from Ace Greenberg and his Merry Magicians, the Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance, and noted solo artist and Grammy-winning lead singer of Hootie and The Blowfish, Darius Rucker.

Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner, also received special recognition for his innovative initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles.

Project Sunshine is a nonprofit organization that empowers a dynamic and dedicated corps of over 10,000 volunteers to bring programing – recreational (arts), educational (tutoring and mentoring) and social service (HIV and nutritional counseling) – to more than 60,000 children facing medical challenges and their families in 150 major cities across the United States, and in five international satellite sites: Canada, China, Israel, Kenya, and Puerto Rico.

Project Sunshine is dedicated to bringing a ray of hope to these hospitalized children. For more information, please visit www.projectsunshine.org.

Project Sunshine Benefit Honoree Michael J. Dowling, president and CEO of North Shore-LIJ Health System, and Project Sunshine Founder Joseph Weilgus.

Photo by Hal Lyman