Philly Bank Team Makes Summer Camp Dreams Come True

For most kids, summer means racing across fields and making memories with friends. At Variety's Annie Madden Sunshine Games in Worcester Township, Pennsylvania, volunteers made sure children with disabilities got to experience those same carefree moments.

A team from Firstrust Bank joined hundreds of volunteers to help campers play games, share meals, and celebrate childhood during the 26th annual event. For many employees, returning to Variety has become a summer tradition they look forward to each year.

"This is my third year volunteering at Variety, and I do it because I adore the kids," said Ann Ambolino, Associate Marketing Manager at Firstrust. Whether serving lunch or running games, she found joy in watching hungry campers light up at mealtime.

Shannah Berger, Director of Business Development for Firstrust subsidiary Apex Commercial Capital, believes every child deserves outdoor play and time with friends. She's grateful that Firstrust recognizes how just a few hours can help kids who need extra assistance enjoy everything summer should be.

First-time volunteer Alison Watson, Executive Assistant at Firstrust Financial Resources, shared a simple motivation. She wanted to share a piece of her time to make someone else's day a little brighter.

The Sunshine Games honor Annie Madden, a beloved camp counselor who died in a car accident in 1999. Her parents, Jim and Mary Ellen Madden, worked with Variety to create a day celebrating the joy Annie brought to campers throughout her life.

This year's event featured appearances by Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop and Eagles cheerleaders. Campers rotated through activities throughout the day and enjoyed a barbecue lunch together.

Sunny's Take

Firstrust also donated $5,000 to support Variety's programs for children and young adults with disabilities across the Delaware Valley. Since 1935, Variety has worked to build confidence and encourage independence through social, educational, and vocational programs.

But events like the Sunshine Games prove that sometimes the greatest gift is simply showing up. For a few hours on a summer day, volunteers focused on cheering campers across finish lines, handing out lunch with smiles, and sharing laughs during games.

Twenty-six years after its founding, the tradition continues to honor Annie's legacy by creating the kind of childhood memories every child deserves.