The Friars Club’s Sunshine Committee is to the Friars Club what Ronald McDonald House is to McDonald’s–they bring a ray of sunshine to those who need it most!

For over twenty-five years the Sunshine Committee (which is funded through an annual holiday raffle held at the Monastery) has been providing entertainment, companionship and tons of love to senior citizens and children’s centers in the New York area.  Whether they are sending singers, musicians, comedians or performance artists to brighten up the residents of nursing homes; or providing clowns, magicians and entertainment for disadvantaged children in group homes, the Sunshine Committee is dedicated to enhancing each and every life they touch.

Each year, the Committee holds a children’s Christmas/Hanukkah party, inviting 1500 underprivileged children to a movie screening at a mid-Manhattan theater.  After the movie, each child receives a “goodie bag” filled with toys, hats, scarves, books and a variety of other items guaranteed to make their holidays brighter. All doled out by celebrity Santas.