Sunshine Center breaks ground on facility

SANDPOINT — Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Sunshine Center took place July 25, marking the beginning of what many feel will be a keystone facility for area families.

Once completed, the center will offer a host of programs, including childcare, preschool classes, tutoring, toilet training and the Bearly Sick Center, which will give parents a place to bring their mildly-ill children.

“Oh my goodness. Somebody pinch me,” said Bren Hamilton, owner and founder of the Sunshine Center. “The Sunshine Center was made up of the intentions, dreams, plans and designs that flowed from my heart spreading to the hearts and minds of this huge team.”

Located on U.S. 2 at Ridley Village in Sandpoint, the facility will also introduce the family-center stage.  This stage will be used for the birthday party program, fundraisers, raffles, rummage sales, seasonal entertainment, and family-oriented performances.

“From this day on, The Sunshine Center will be a place of brick and mortar located on this piece of land in the city of Sandpoint,” said Hamilton. “When it is finished, the end product will be greater than the sum of its physical structures.  It will be an incredible asset to families and employers, but most of all, a safe place for our children to laugh and learn.”

Seventy two families pre-enrolled and the center plans to be open by November 2008.  Enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so parents are encouraged to register now with no upfront obligations.  Call 265-KIDS (5437) or visit www.TheSunshineCenter.org for more information.