User:Kfallstick/Bill Sample

Bill Sample is the Founder and President Emeritus of Sunshine Foundation,a 501(C)(3)children's non-profit charity and the Original Wishgranting Organization.

Biography

In 1962, following three years of service in the United States Army, Sample joined the Philadelphia police force. Stationed on protective duty at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Bill often met chronically or terminally ill children and their families. Through talking with the families, he learned the emotional and financial strain that comes with having a seriously ill child. Mounting medical bills and time off from work made providing their child with what could be their last dream seem out of reach.

Bill Sample decided he was going to make a difference in these children’s lives. After taking out a personal loan and gathering a small group of dedicated volunteers, Bill founded Sunshine Foundation, the original wish granting organization, with the mission of answering the dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children ages three to eighteen, whose families cannot fulfill their requests due to the financial strain that the child's illness may cause.

Bill Sample serves on Sunshine Foundation's National Board of Directors as President Emeritus and holds an An Honorary Doctorate from Villanova University.

Awards 3rd Annual Father Baker Service to Youth Award President Ronald Reagan’s Volunteer Action Award The Philadelphia Award Please Touch Museum’s Great Friends to Kids Award Thomas Jefferson Award AMORC Humanitarian Award The FREEDOMS Foundation Honor Award Olney High School Alumni Achievement Award The Association of Fundraising Professionals Lifetime Achievement Award CFAR 6th Annual Daniel Gottlieb Humanitarian Award