Cart 0
Cart 0

Sunshine Fest

 Sunshine Fest is not just an event; it's a beacon of hope and generosity, inspired by the life and legacy of Van, the son of River Siren's owners, Brian and Harmony. Born with Anencephaly, Van's short life had a lasting impact, as his heart valves were donated, offering a chance at life to others.

In his memory, we celebrate Sunshine Fest, a day dedicated to raising awareness and funds for organ donation, in partnership with LifeSource, the Sunshine Baby Foundation, and the City of Stillwater — the nation's first "Donate Life City." This year’s event was held on June 22nd.

Event highlights included:

  • Release of Sunshine Baby Witbier, special brew commemorating Van’s life.

  • Live performances by GB Leighton, and local band SPF-30

  • Raffle and door prizes with all proceeds benefitting the Sunshine Baby Foundation

  • Games, activities and fun for all ages

  • Airbrush tattoos, fairy hair, and endless (permanent) bracelets

In years past, we raised $7,000 for LifeSource, and this year, we far surpassed our goal of $10,000 with a total amount of $17,000 raised for the Sunshine Baby Foundation!

 

The Sunshine Baby Foundation

The Sunshine baby foundation was created to bring knowledge and awareness to organ and tissue donation and families navigating the process, or help others close to our hearts.

Become A Sponsor for 2025 Sunshine Fest

Opportunities to become a tiered level sponsor for the event are available, providing brand/sponsor recognition, as well as sponsorship packages. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor please reach out! Together, we can make a difference, celebrate life, and honor the memory of those like Van, whose legacy continues to inspire and give hope.

Platinum Sunshine Sponsor - $5,000

  • Prime logo placement on all event materials and main stage

  • A featured article about your sponsorship on our website and social media

  • VIP access to the event for up to 10 guests

  • A private brewery tour and tasting session

Gold Sunshine Sponsor - $2,500

  • Logo placement on event materials and website

  • Social media shoutouts leading up to the event

  • 6 VIP passes to the event

  • Silver Sunshine Sponsor - $1,000

  • Logo placement on the website

  • Social media mention

  • 4 VIP passes to the event

Bronze Sunshine Sponsor - $500

  • Mention on the website

  • Social media mention

  • 2 VIP passes to the event

Sunshine Supporter - $250

  • Social media thank you post

  • Recognition on the event website

 
Sunshine Fest-32 (1).png

Van Carlson during his five days with his family at home.

 Van’s Story

Van Brian Carlson is a ray of sunshine. He was born 12 years ago on June 21, 2012, and, to the surprise of everyone, lived beautiful five days. At 22 weeks’ gestation, he was diagnosed with a rare and fatal birth defect called anencephaly, meaning large parts of his brain and skull had not developed. 

Knowing he would likely not survive the remainder of pregnancy or birth, his parents, Brian, and Harmony, decided to use whatever time they could to make memories. They opted to explore organ and tissue donation as a way of honoring their son and giving another infant a chance for life.

Although donation in babies with anencephaly was very rare at the time, LifeSource graciously worked with the Carlson family, Stillwater Lakeview Hospital, and Van’s care team to implement plans for donation provided he lived long enough to be able to donate.

On June 21, Van took his first breath and, miraculously, kept breathing on his own for five days. Brian and Harmony decided to take him home under the care of Perinatal Hospice who assisted in making his remaining time peaceful, giving his two older brothers and grandparents a chance to know and love him in the comfort of his own home.

He passed away in the arms of his parents and was welcomed back by Lakeview Hospital providers and the LifeSource team who compassionately worked to make his donation possible.

The Carlson’s are deeply grateful to those who supported their family and gave their son the opportunity to live and give life. Van continues to be a bright light and a ray of sunshine who touched the lives of many.