Charity

On the weekend of July 23rd through the 25th Scott Brunnenmeyer, Director of Operations, joined the nation in honoring the fallen and wounded soldiers at the Families United National Weekend of  Remembrance as Sundance Vacations sponsored the Weekend event.

The event kicked off on Friday night with the Gold Star Family dinner in Washington DC. Families United invited all families that had lost a soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan, which brought over 500 families throughout the country. They bring these families through various events throughout the year; this being the largest event. This was a formal event that seated families together by state for an evening honoring their Heroes and allowing them to share their stories with each other. Among the families at the dinner were top ranking officials, 3 star Generals, Admirals and a keynote by Vice Joint Chief Of Staff General James E. Cartwright.  Wayne Newton, with the USO, also performed at the dinner for the Fallen Soldiers’ families. The honorable Scooter Libby was also present for the dinner.

Scott, who is also a Captain in the Army, said that, “It is amazing to see such great family oriented organizations like Families United that will continue to support the fallen soldiers’ families. It gives great reassurance that if something ever happened that my family would have great support.” On Saturday, they had a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which Scott said was “the most emotional part of the whole weekend.”

Following the event in the Arlington Cemetery, there was a  “Hero’s Festival” and concert by country singer Aaron Tippin  at Six Flags America. At the festival the families were able spend time with Armed Service members and enjoy a hot and fun-filled day at the amusement park. Throughout the day there were moments of silence and a lunch/picnic for the families.

On Sunday there was a final service at Washington National Cathedral. Many families stayed to attend the nations largest most respected cathedral for a religious service. Throughout the whole weekend across the country many businesses and news stations were taking time to remember our fallen heroes as well. Scott said that “ I am greatly moved that Sundance Vacations decided to sponsor the event and that I was able to be there for it all.”

For more information on Families United check out the website FamiliesUnitedMission.com. The website lists events and ways to get involved. The next event being held is the Pennsylvania Gold Star Family Luncheon, which will be held in Philadelphia on August 14th.

Last Friday, May 21st, Sundance Vacations hit the golf course as the presenting sponsor for the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association Golf Tournament. The golf tournament was held at Mountain Laurel Golf Club in White Haven and was followed by a cocktail hour and dinner. All proceeds benefited Wyoming Valley Children’s Association endowment fund, which is used to fund services to the children, promote ongoing staff development and training, and maintain the operation of their new facility.

Here are some pictures of our founder, John Dowd, with staff at the event:

…Getting ready to hit the golf course!

…and the ladies of the Sundance Vacations Administration office having fun on the deck!

The Sundance Vacations Haunted House “Sundance at Sundown” was a HUGE success. The Haunted House was held at the company’s corporate headquarters on October 22^nd, October 23^rd, and October 24^th.  Sundance Vacations participated in USA Weekend’s annual Make a Difference Day event. The MADD is a day dedicated to giving back to your community.

The entry fee was $5. Sundance Vacations also provided baked goods to all guests in efforts to raise more money. Sundance Vacations raised $1300 for the SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) of Luzerne County. All proceeds raised were donated to the Luzerne County SPCA. “Consumers who don’t know Sundance Vacations may be skeptical or even misguided by thinking that Sundance Vacations is a scam,” said Sundance Vacations Founder Tina Dowd. “But, our employees illustrate who we are and what we believe in by their actions every day. This charity project fits two of our core values: to create fun and to give back. We’re proud of Sundance Vacations’ reputation in the community,” added Dowd.

Last year employees helped raise $2, 830 for Habitat for Humanity.

Sundance Vacations takes pride in raising money to help out in their local communities. We thank each and every one of the Sundance employees who helped make the Haunted House a success. Did you come to the Sundance Vacations Haunted House? Did you have a “spooktacular” time? If not, what charities have you been working on in your community?

Sundance Vacations recently donated school supplies as well as three office desks to John Bartram High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The supplies donated will benefit students in grades 9-12. The supplies ranged from binders, pen and pencils, notebooks, folders, pencil sharpeners for the classroom, Sharpie markers, etc. In addition to the donation of school supplies, Sundance Vacations employees also donated three office desks to teachers at John Bartram High School. The donations were very much appreciated by the students and teachers alike. “Sundance Vacations understands that a brighter future for Philadelphia starts with the children in our school systems, especially the students at John Bartram High School,” said Assistant VP of Sales Shane Lewis.

Do you have any recommendations for the next Sundance Vacations donation?

Sundance Vacations recently donated a vacation week to the Chicago Better Business Bureau in support of the Chicago BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The company is honored to support the 13^th Annual Torch Awards Program. Sundance Vacations donated a seven night free vacation to one of Sundance Vacations’ numerous resort properties. The Torch Award ceremony will be held on Thursday, December 3^rd at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, Chicago. Sundance Vacations has a proud member of the Chicago Better Business Bureau since 2005.

Have you made a donation recently? What is your favorite charitable organization to donate to?

Sundance Vacations recently donated to the RAACE Foundation. The RAACE (Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere) Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect children against sexual abuse. Sundance Vacations was contacted by Mr. Brad Brickel, a RAACE participant, to sponsor him in a RAACE fundraiser. Sundance Vacations Founder Tina Dowd received the call and was eager to help. Tina Dowd presented an idea to give employees the opportunity to donate their employee incentive points to the RAACE Foundation. When announced, Marketing Department employees were eager to donate their points. The employee’s V-points were then converted into a cash donation. Sundance Vacations raised a total of 85,504 V-points. The company generously matched the money raised, making the GRAND TOTAL– $3,353.00.

Great Job Sundance Vacations, it’s always nice to see employees come together and make a difference!!

What are some charities that you have volunteered with or donated to?

Sundance Vacations recently teamed up with the Philadelphia Eagles Youth Partnership. The company participated in this year’s fundraising event themed “Flight Night”.

Sundance Vacations has been a proud supporter of the Eagles Youth Partnership (EYP) since 2007. The company has contributed more than $10,000 to the EYP organization. Sundance Vacations King of Prussia employees participated in Eagles Flight Night’s huge success which surpassed attendance and fundraising goals. The event brought more than 31,000 Philadelphia Eagles football fans from all across the region to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa on Aug. 2, raising more than a million dollars for the organization!

All funds raised at Eagles Flight Night benefit Eagles Youth Partnership’s (EYP) community programs. Eagles Youth Partnership serves over 50,000 low income children in Greater Philadelphia every year with an immense focus on health and education programming. EYP takes its services directly to kids at their schools and in their neighborhoods. These mobile services – the Eagles Eye Mobile and Eagles Book Mobile programs – are like wings on wheels, blending celebrity with fun in order to reach the hardest to reach children.

Sundance Vacations was proud to be a part of the fun at Eagles Flight Night, and we look forward to next years fundraiser.

Sundance Vacations will open their doors to the public for their second blood drive this year. The event will take place at the Sundance Vacations Corporate Headquarters located at 264 Highland Park Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The headquarters is adjacent to the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza. The date is set for Monday, June 15th from 12:30pm until 5:30pm. Sundance representatives encourage their neighboring community and businesses on Highland Park Blvd to drop by for the worthy cause. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Please come out and help support the American Red Cross.

On March 9^th Sundance Vacations teamed up with the Wilkes-Barre Chapter of the American Red Cross. Sundance Vacations volunteered to hold a donor bank at their corporate headquarters. The Wilkes-Barre sales office employees including Director Irene Sisk were very instrumental in the drive as well as Charity Coordinator Kelly Valovich. Numerous Sundance Vacations employees also took a few minutes to donate for the cause. The goal for the American Red Cross was 18 people, and they surpassed their goal by 22 people. Sundance Vacations hosted 40 people in their corporate office during the drive. “It’s refreshing to know that our corporate office can come together for such a worthy cause. The entire event was very successful,” said Charity Coordinator Kelly Valovich. In addition to volunteer time, Sundance Vacations also gave a monetary donation of $5,000 to the American Red Cross. The event was so successful the company is planning another drive on June 16^th. Be sure to come out and donate again. What are your ideas to make the next blood drive a bigger success?

The Sundance Vacations Dowers Grove office was selected as a finalist for the Charity Contribution Award by the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce.

The award will be judged by the company’s unique or innovative approaches, community involvement, employee empowerment, and the vision and mission of the selected company.

The award luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at the Doubletree Guest Suites and Conference Center in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Congratulations to everyone at the Downers Grove office! Keep up all of the great work!