Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp Recognizes Client Roosevelt Board

On Feb. 1, the Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center welcomed nearly 200 community members, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders to its annual Sunshine Sunday fundraiser at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn.

The evening highlighted the power of community partnerships, bringing together local businesses and residents in support of the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp–Staten Island — a free summer camp dedicated to restoring the simple joys of childhood for children with cancer and their siblings.

Honoring Community Impact

This year’s Sunshine Sunday committee, led by Dr. Andrew Olsen and Gabriella DeLuca Garrone, recognized four honorees for their leadership and commitment to the community: Staten Island Small Business Development Center client Roosevelt Board, Enza Bocuzzi, Carol Doodian-Russo, and The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. Their support reflects the important role local businesses and advocates play in strengthening programs that serve families facing extraordinary challenges.

A Camp That Makes a Difference

A proud member of the Sunrise Association, Sunrise Day Camp–Staten Island operates on the campus of Staten Island Academy and welcomes families on a non-sectarian basis.

Understanding the significant financial strain that chronic illness can place on families, the camp is offered completely free of charge. Funds raised during Sunshine Sunday ensure that every eligible child can attend at no cost — allowing families to focus on healing, hope, and creating lasting summer memories.

One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when Danielle Savarese, a Sunrise parent, shared her family’s journey and spoke about the lasting impact the camp has had on her children. Her remarks underscored why community support remains so vital.

Powered by Local Business Support

The event’s success was made possible by generous sponsors, including Bensonhurst Bay Ridge Kiwanis as presenting sponsor, Jay Chazanoff as event sponsor, and DVM Industries as gold sponsor.

As Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC, noted, the overwhelming support from committee members, sponsors, and attendees continues to make Sunshine Sunday a meaningful tradition — one that ensures children with cancer and their siblings can experience the carefree summer moments they deserve.

For more information regarding Sunrise Day visit https://sunrisedaycamp-statenisland.org/