The Day at Markham Park Included a Karate Demonstration, Performances by Hip Hop Kidz, Bounce Houses, a Silent Auction, a DJ and More
The Dylan Schopp Sunshine Foundation proudly hosted its third annual “Sunshine at the Park” event Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Markham Park. The event raised over $40,000 for suicide awareness and prevention causes. Over 300 attendees at this year’s festival enjoyed a day of face painting, bounce houses, sand art, a Zumba class, karate demonstration, YMCA-led games and live performances by Hip Hop Kidz. A rock climbing wall, masseuse and various food trucks were also on-site.
Attendees signed a pledge wall where they wrote down commitments of how they plan to #SpreadTheSunshine and had the opportunity to purchase their own sunflowers and witness a butterfly release in honor of those who have lost their lives to suicide.
The silent auction featured a variety of baskets including artwork, professional sporting event tickets, a Norwegian Cruise Line package, one-of-a-kind clothing and jewelry, signed sports memorabilia and tickets to the May 16 #ParklandStrong benefit concert featuring New Found Glory, Dashboard Confessional and Yellowcard.
Sunshine at the Park proceeds will benefit suicide prevention organizations including the HOPE Sunshine Clubs operated in partnership with Weston-based Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention (FISP), the health, human and social service hotline 2-1-1, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
“Every year we receive more and more support from friends, family and the community,” said Foundation Director Debbie Schopp. “We started the foundation at our kitchen table. Everyone involved, from the attendees to the volunteers and sponsors, have played a pivotal role in helping to raise awareness and support for suicide prevention and allowing Dylan’s light continue to shine.”
Markham Park is an important location for the Schopp family because it was one of Dylan’s favorite spots to enjoy time outdoors, jet skiing and mountain biking with his dad. The park’s Butterfly Garden is also home to a dedicated bench in Dylan’s honor where family and friends often visit.
The Dylan Schopp Sunshine Foundation’s mission and vision is to celebrate Dylan’s life and help his spirit and energy live on, in hopes of preventing similar tragedies.
For more information on the event and the foundation, please visitwww.dylansfoundation.org
About The Dylan Schopp Sunshine Foundation:
The Dylan Schopp Sunshine Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that aims to bring sunshine into the lives of children and young adults. The Foundation, created in memory of Dylan Andrew Schopp, strives to spread positivity and hope through community outreach and public awareness of suicide prevention. The Dylan Schopp Sunshine Foundation proudly supports the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention (FISP), America’s VetDogs, Operation Smile, The Humane Society and other non-profit organizations. For more information, visit www.dylansfoundation.org.
