Donor Spotlight 

The Cohen Family 

In December 2010, the Cohen family sponsored a Starlight Fun Center at Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital in honor of well-known Camp Winaukee Camp Directors Bart Sobel and Jeff "Freedo" Freedman for their commitment to children. The Cohen family, who have two boys that attended Camp Winaukee, sponsored the Fun Center in honor of Bart and Freedo in recognition of their long history and passion for working with children.

“These two men have made a tremendous difference in the lives of my sons and so many others, and I wanted to show them how much we appreciate them and their work with children. What better way than to place a Starlight Fun Center to bring smiles to thousands of hospitalized children,” commented Ron Cohen.

 Bart is a former Professor of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who specialized in educational philosophy.  He succeeded his father in 1981 as a year-round director of Camp Winaukee.  Jeff Freedman, known affectionately as "Freedo", was a longtime camper at Winaukee.  He was a collegiate NCAA All-American athlete, and has been the Island Camp director since 1999. Bart, Freedo and the Cohen's attended a special dedication ceremony at the hospital with friends and family to celebrate this memorable moment and honor.

 
“We wish everyone could have been with us on this special day, as we were humbled by the honor of the Cohen family's gesture and Starlight's work. The joy and excitement the children had when they saw the Fun Center was truly magnificent. That day we learned what Fun Centers are and do for so many children. These are specially designed entertainment units for hospitalized children that roll right up to their bedsides. Equipped with a Nintendo Wii and DVD player, a Fun Center provides distraction for children nervously awaiting surgery, undergoing painful treatments, or feeling lonely after visiting hours. The Cohen family honored us with this gift in gratitude for the years we have dedicated to so many children through our work at Camp Winaukee,” said Bart Sobel.
 
“This Fun Center will brighten the lives of thousands of hospitalized children fighting serious and chronic illnesses. We are forever grateful to the Cohen family for this gift and wanted to share this amazing day, incredible charity and Starlight's mission with you. Please click here to make a donation today and join us in supporting this amazing charity,” added Freedo.