For Immediate Release
September 10, 2008

Contact:
Matthew M. Hoidal, Esq.
(207) 655-3800
Jason Wolfe
(207) 883-6083
E-mail: mhoidal@campsunshine.org
Web Site: www.CampSunshine.org

CASCO, Maine - Charity Navigator, a national non-profit evaluation organization, has awarded Camp Sunshine its coveted 4-star rating for the fifth year in a row for sound fiscal management, placing the Casco, Maine camp in the top three percent of rated non-profits nationwide.

The designation is based on a data-driven analysis of financial information by Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading charity evaluator, and is intended to provide donors with essential fiscal information. Located in Maine’s Sebago Lake region, Camp Sunshine supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
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“Camp Sunshine consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America,” said Ken Berger, president & CEO of Charity Navigator. “This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Camp Sunshine from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

The award is significant at a time of unprecedented growth in the non-profit sector as well as a tight economy. In a competitive philanthropic marketplace, potential donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from the charities they choose to support, Berger said.

“We are very proud and pleased to share the news of this rating with the public,” said Matthew Hoidal, executive director of Camp Sunshine. “Charity Navigator is a very reputable source that donors are turning to more and more for insight into non-profit management of finances, and this award will give donors confidence that Camp Sunshine will continue to make the best possible use of their support.”

Camp Sunshine, located in Maine’s Sebago Lake region, provides a camp vacation at no charge to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The camp offers one of the only programs in the nation whose mission is to address the impact of a life-threatening illness on every member of the immediate family. While attending the various week-long camps, families are able to rebuild relationships together and meet other families facing similar challenges.

Founded in 1984, Camp Sunshine was the first and remains one of the only camps in the nation whose sole focus is on serving the entire family, not just the sick child. The program includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Bereavement groups also are offered for families who have lost a child to an illness.

Camp Sunshine is in the midst of a $14.5 million endowment campaign to help expand and improve programs. Over the years, Camp Sunshine has hosted families from 44 states and 15 countries, and provided a camp experience for more than 23,000 family members.

For more information about Camp Sunshine’s programs, which now take place year-round, and to learn more about volunteering or making a donation, visit the camp’s website at www.campsunshine.org, or call (207) 655-3800.

Based in Mahwah, New Jersey, Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) is the leading charity evaluator in America. The company provides in-depth information on charities throughout the U.S. and works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of America's largest charities.

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