Puppet Show is Legacy to Work of Popular Northeast Dentist Maurice Thomas
The State, February 6, 2003

The family and friends of the late Dr. Harry Sunshine are continuing his legacy of dental education this month with special puppet performances for Richland District 2 students.

The show was created by the Columbia Marionette Theatre with funding from the Sunshine Fund, which was established by family and friends in memory of Sunshine, who was killed while riding his bicycle two years ago.

During dental health month in February, "Me and My Big Mouth" will tour every elementary school in Richland District 2, specifically targeting first-grade classes. The show teaches young children about the importance of taking care of their teeth.

"Harry was a wonderful community advocate for children's issues, but he always liked to do things in a way that was creative and fun - the way children would enjoy them," said Aileen Sunshine, his wife.

"The puppet show continues that legacy, teaching the importance of good dental hygiene using the wonderful resources of the Columbia Marionette Theatre," she said.

The show is free to District 2 but also is being offered to groups outside the district for a fee, said daughter Amy Sunshine Younginer.

In addition to "Me and My Big Mouth," the Sunshine family is actively involved in the Sunshine Run, an annual 5k road race and walk held with the Sparkleberry County Fair. Proceeds from the run support The Sunshine Fund, which is administered by Central Carolina Community Foundation.

"We'll do the (Sunshine Run) every year, and that will allow us to expand our efforts so the show can be free to groups outside of District 2," she said.

The third annual Sunshine Run/Walk will begin at 8 a.m. April 26 at Summit Parkway Middle School.

For More Information

"Me and My Big Mouth," performed by the Columbia Marionette Theatre, can be scheduled by contacting the theater at 803-252-7366.

The third annual Sunshine Run/Walk, in memory of Dr. Harry Sunshine, will begin at 8 a.m. on April 26 at Summit Parkway Middle School, prior to the Sparkleberry Fair.

Testimonials

February 12, 2003 Dear Columbia Marionette Theatre, I wanted to let you know that the students at Joseph Keels Elementary School loved the production of Me & My Big Mouth. The production was very clever and the children learned a lot about flossing, brushing and keeping their teeth healthy. The most talked about character was the Plaque Monster. They seemed to be very interested in him. Thanks again for visiting our school. It was a fun, creative way to introduce our dental health unit. Can't wait until next year! Sincerely, Susan Bolte, RN District Nurse Keels Elementary

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February 13, 2003 Dear Friends, We enjoyed the puppet show. We thought it was cute and funny. We liked when Dr. Sunshine sang. We also liked when the girl fell down. We liked when the tooth was attacked by the cavity. We learned to take care of our teeth by brushing and flossing them and by going to the dentist. We can't wait to see you again... Love, Miss Cherry's class, Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary School

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We were so excited about your production for dental health. We enjoyed it and learned so much from your presentation. We hope you will continue to be a part of Forest Lake Elementary's dental health month next year and many years to follow. We were most impressed!!! Thank you so much.

Sincerely,
First Grade Teachers and Students at Forest Lake Elementary

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Dear Columbia Marionette Theatre,

Sorry to be so late in writing, but I really wanted to tell you how much our first grade students enjoyed your dental health presentation, "Me and My Big Mouth!" It was very entertaining and educational as well. We truly appreciate the Sunshine Foundation and your theatre for putting together a great learning opportunity for our students. We hope to see you next year! Thank again!

Lisa Hobbs,
School Nurse, Bethel-Hanberry Elementary