SUNSHINE FOUNDATION
25 years in, Dreamlift is still a joy for this volunteer
Ziggy Zegarski started on the bottom rung of the Sunshine Foundation of Mercer County Chapter and after 25 years he remains confined happily to a similar position.
Not much upward mobility for volunteers who contribute time and energy toward helping an organization that looks out for the needs of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children.
No pay. No perks. In fact, the one ginormous payout comes in the forms of smiling faces on May, 1 when approximately 100 local youth, plus chaperones, board a private jet bound for a special downand-back visit to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Zegarski has aged since he volunteered to support the Sunshine Foundation.
“But this never gets old,” he assured. “This is going to be my 25th trip and it’s always the same feeling. I guess I’m sentimental. It’s just inspirational to see all these children in different stages of life challenges heading off to Disney World. It’s such a great cause.”
Zegarski, a former supervisor for the Mercer County traffic department, answered a call for volunteers.
“I started with Cathy DiCostanzo,” Sunshine Foundation president, Joe Lech and Dave Burns, Sr.. I was with the county and they were looking for ground support in terms of doing things like putting up signs and that type of thing. I got more involved as the years went by,” Zegarksi said.
“That first trip? Hectic. No one had ever taken that many kids with a variety of challenges on a plane before. After that first trip, the event just got bigger and bigger. You always worry that something gets missed but the Dreamlift has enjoyed fantastic support and success.”
Bill Sample, a Philadelphia police officer, started the non-profit in 1976 as a way to fulfill the dreams of children challenged by myriad issues. Over a dozen chapters exist in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Florida and Colorado.
DiCostanzo, friends and volunteers spend an entire year fundraising for an event that requires about $375 for each child traveler.
The early-morning sendoff delivers heartfelt appreciation for the Sunshine Foundation effort as Zegarski noted that “businesses, government leaders, firefighters, police and the public join together for one purpose — to make sure that the children have a safe and enjoyable trip and the time of their lives.”
Most volunteers have almost no time to enjoy the amusement of Disney World.
“Someone may need support regarding getting a child on a ride but for the most part, our crew coordinates movement from hangar to plane and throughout Disney World. Our payoff comes with the joy of being a part of this amazing day,” Zegarski said.
Zegarski and other travelers anticipate the Dreamlift sendoff and the moment the private jet lifts off.
“It’s one of the most worthwhile opportunities I have had in my life. I love it,” Zegarski said.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist.