Thank you!

~ A voice is a voice no matter how small~

Thank you for supporting Marissa’s Sunshine Fund.

Once your name is drawn your ticket goes back into the drawing for more changes to win.  41 chances to win!

Marissa E. Lloyd Sunshine Fund
394 Sweden St.
Caribou, Me. 04736

It would mean a lot to have our mailbox be filled with ticket request. The proceeds will help us to continue our mission and to carry on Marissa’s legacy.

Mission: Marissa E. Lloyd Sunshine Fund, established, to encourage the public involvement as advocates for children’s rights, to assist children in developing skills they need to protect, guide and educate themselves in recognizing all forms of abuse and neglect, and to support children in realizing they have a recognizable VOICE offering them hope for a brighter future without fear and retaliation.

Thank you!

Lynn Greenier, board member and Woodland Elementary school teacher, provided a brief presentation on why this fund was started, how second graders were chosen to receive the books, that Marissa was in second grade at the time of her passing, and that she was a 7 year old little girl who believed in helping others. Thus, her family and friends continue this mission through the Marissa E. Lloyd Sunshine Fund. Mrs. Greenier also spoke about bullying and entertained questions from the young audience. It was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to present the books. We would like to thank all the participating schools for opening their doors to our program.

Photo: On hand to present the winner of the annual Family Weekend Getaway Raffle sponsored by the Marissa E. Lloyd Sunshine Fund. Connie & Kristin Lloyd, Debbie Sutherland owner of Bramble Berry Mkt. where the winning ticket was drawn also, board members Allyson Masse and Lynn Greenier. Front are Jacob Berkoski who drew the lucky ticket and the winner Pam Morin of Caribou.

Thank you, to all that have supported us so far, we deeply appreciate it.

If you would like to purchase a ticket contact, Kristin Lloyd, Lisa Berkoski, Nancy Saucier, Allyson Masse, Connie Lloyd, Terri Hallowell & Lynn Greenier

Delighted to announce we were able to extend the book giveaway to 3 additional schools in the surrounding communities New Sweden, Woodland & Connor

Once again the books chosen were from the Audrey Penn’s Kissing Hand series. All these books contain an important life lesson, such as helping easing children’s fears of separation, death, and understanding bullies and why they bully, encouraging positive ways of dealing with all of these life occurrences.

The board members were able to collaborate directly with the well-renowned children’s author Audrey Penn. After notifying Mrs. Penn earlier this year and telling her Marissa’s story, she graciously offered to help us get the books we needed, she also took it one step further and autographed over 125 books. With out her help we wouldn’t have been able to expand to the surrounding communities. Mrs. Penn is definitely another wonderful child advocate.

Prior to the the distribution of the books board member and elementary teacher Lynn Greenier touched base with the students about Marissa and how the fund came about after the sudden passing of Marissa whom was a 2nd grade student at Hilltop elementary. One of the books offered this year was Audrey Penn’s new book, titled Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full Of Memories.

This is a book that deals with the topic of death a very difficult topic for any one of any age however, exceptionally difficult for children. This was the number one book chosen by the children this year. The author helps the readers by focusing on making lovely memories and how they can forever hold their lost loved ones in their hearts. We know all to well a child may be faced with this horrible situation at any time. We received many comments on how the book was very sad however; they liked it and would take care of it.

Mrs. Greenier also spoke with the children about bulling, letting them know that bullying can happen anywhere and by anyone. It could be another child, a sibling, relatives, neighbors or even parents. She expressed to the children that they have right to use their VOICE when being bullied by telling a trusted adult. Being bullied is never your fault and is something that should be stopped immediately. Important for children to know their voice is one the most powerful tools they have………….and not to be afraid to use it. The book “The Big Bad Bully” was the second highest chosen book and the number one chosen book last year. We hope that children understand bullying is a form of abuse and that many times the bully is having troubles of his own. With all the national attention to bullying were glad to bring a book to the students to help them deal with this type of abuse that starts at a very young age.

1st Sunshine Citizenship Awards

The second graders at Hilltop elementary were also given the chance to use their voice and vote for one of their classmates for this award. We sent ballots to school with criteria for voting. Each student was asked to vote for a student in their classroom that exemplified the following characteristics: good manners, respectful, helpful to others, takes care of school property and is kind to all. The winners received a stuffed Chester the Raccoon, the character the books are based on and, also a certificate from the board members. This was special for the winners, due to their peers being the one’s that chose them. Some of the parents of the recipients attended the ceremony making it even more special. We hope to extend this award to the other schools in the upcoming years.

Winners of the 1st. Sunshine Citizenship Award
Cullin Caverhill, Ethan Holmquist, Paige Espling,
Elsie Patton and Owen Martin

Board member Nancy Saucier and Lisa Berkoski
Presenting Elsie Patton with her award and certificate.

Once again with out the outstanding support of the community we could not make this wonderful event possible.

Upcoming Fundraiser:

Were currently working on our next fund raiser this will be a Family Winter Weekend Get A Way, were currently working on the prize package and will announce the details as soon as there finalized, we’re looking forward to another successful year. Remember the most important advocate for a child is his or her own parents.

Our efforts did not go unnoticed we ended up winning “Best Non Profit” and was picture in the Aroostook Republican and Bangor Daily. We received many Congratulations and notes of encouragement to continue our mission. It’s a day my family and friends will never forget. Once again it’s the community that makes this happen.

Special thanks to: