DAVENPORT, Fla. – The Sunshine Foundation is officially turning Davenport into a fairytale land this weekend, hosting its “Superhero and Princesses” Spring Family Fair on Saturday, March 7. Between 11 AM and 2 PM, the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village at 5400 County Road 547 N will open its gates to the public for a day of celebration centered around a heavy-hitting mission: bringing joy to children living with chronic health conditions.
Families attending the free event can expect a packed schedule including bounce houses, a petting zoo, character meet-and-greets, and miniature golf. The fair also features live music, dancing, face painting, and various vendor booths.
While there is no cost to enter, the foundation is welcoming donations to help fund its primary goal of granting “Magical Dreams” to children who might not qualify for other wish-granting programs.
The Sunshine Foundation occupies a unique niche in the non-profit world. Unlike many organizations that require a “life-threatening” or “terminal” diagnosis, this foundation focuses on children with lifelong chronic conditions and challenges.
This includes young people living with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, profound Level 3 severe autism, Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, severe epilepsy, and Sickle Cell Disease, as well as those navigating the effects of trauma from abuse, blindness, or deafness.
Since its inception in 1976, the organization has served more than 44,000 children across the United States. Many of these families request trips to Central Florida’s major theme parks—Legoland, Universal Studios, Disney World, and SeaWorld—often staying at the Dream Village, which serves as a private, accessible retreat.
Beyond travel, the foundation also fulfills “Special Dreams” ranging from adaptive tricycles and special needs equipment to computers and outdoor playsets.
The charity currently holds a perfect 100% score on Charity Navigator and an “A” rating from CharityWatch. Organizers are inviting the community to see the impact firsthand this Saturday, noting that “picture and video crews’ presence is eagerly anticipated” to help document the festivities and the stories of the families involved. For those unable to attend but interested in the cause, full details and donation opportunities are available at the foundation’s official website.
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