New Jersey, Friday September 2, 2022. The SUNSHINE Awards Organization today announced in New Jersey that the in-person celebration of its 34th Annual SUNSHINE Awards Program, scheduled for October this year, has been cancelled.
Gil Figaro, Chairman and Founder of the SUNSHINE Awards Program said during the announcement, “As we are aware, the COVID-19 Pandemic has had a devastating impact on governments, businesses, and organizations around the world. Today, as we have become more educated and informed about the deadly COVID-19 virus, there are reports indicating that although there is an increase in the number of people testing positive the worst is behind us. However, the Omicron variant continues to be of concern, and as the CDC has warned, “a surge in cases may lead to increases in hospitalizations and deaths.” As a result, of this, our communities and the SUNSHINE Awards Organization have remained resilient as we follow and adhere to the guidelines of the health authorities
Added to this, in May of this year, the CDC confirmed that there is a global outbreak of another viral disease known as the “monkeypox,” and in July it was declared a public health emergency in the United States. New York City is now described as the “epicenter” of the outbreak and officials have declared monkeypox an “Imminent Threat to Public Health throughout New York State.” Still yet, following a case of paralytic polio in Rockland County in July, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has recently confirmed the detection of poliovirus in its sewage. This prompted the State Health Commissioner to state the following, “for every one case of paralytic polio identified, hundreds more may be undetected.” Clearly, the need for heightened vigilance in the face of these outbreaks cannot be overemphasized.
In view of the current global health situation, and the fact that nominees and recipients of the SUNSHINE Awards Program travel from various countries to the United States for the in-person celebration, the SUNSHINE Awards Organization has decided to forego the in-person celebration of the 34th Annual SUNSHINE Awards Program. This decision was made focusing on what we have always indicated as our top priority, that is, the health and safety of families, our performing artists, nominees, recipients, sponsors, supporters, and community.
In spite of these global health situations, The SUNSHINE Awards Organization stays committed to its mandate to focus on recognizing excellence in education, humanity, the performing arts, healthcare, science, and technology. The 34th Annual SUNSHINE Awards nominees will be published later this year. Thank you for your continued support and we hope that you and your families stay healthy and safe during this challenging time.