Sunday River Ski Resort

This month, the good folks at Sunday River Ski Resort said "of course" yet again. This time it was to our request to host a teenage girl from Florida whose wish is to see snow, go tubing, and maybe even learn to ski. This request was what we call a "rush wish," meaning there was very little time to prepare as the girl's health was declining and her wish needed to happen as soon as possible. Sunday River said "yes!" even though we were asking for accommodations and special treatment during February school vacation - one of their busiest weeks. This response is characteristic of Sunday River - they have hosted more than ten wish kids from other states who dream of seeing and playing in snow.

Sunday River first got involved with Make-A-Wish six years ago thanks to another great supporter, the Parrot Head Club of Maine. The Parrot Head Club and Sunday River collaborate on a Bust 'n Burn weekend each year, and contribute the proceeds from that event - $10,000 each year - to Make-A-Wish of Maine.

Alex Kaufman, Communications Manager for Sunday River, says, "As with many who get involved helping Make-A-Wish, we've stayed involved as we've had a chance first hand to see the joy that it can bring to entire families."

For each child who wishes to travel to Maine to see snow, Sunday River answers the call with enthusiasm, tailoring activities to each child's specific requests and providing free lodging and transportation around town.

Sunday River has gone above and beyond their commitment to hosting wish kids from other states. They have donated packages to our Fantasy Auction in numerous years, supported our Walk For Wishes in Oxford in 2004, and gave us a substantial discount on lodging and meeting space for our Board Retreat in 2005.

In 2004, Sunday River and the Parrot Head Club together received the Community Spirit Award from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine. We continue to appreciate their tireless dedication to helping wish kids from both here in Maine and out of state.

Raymond, 10, lives in Florida and wished to see snow.
He traveled with his mother to Maine in December, and - despite sparse snow
conditions in the rest of the state - Sunday River was able to produce a snowy
winter wonderland for him to experience.

Seven-year-old Lionard, from Florida, learned to ski
and throw snowballs at Sunday River.

Four-year-old James, from Florida, made his first snow angel
while visiting Sunday River in March, 2006.