For a $10 donation, a lucky supporter of the Casco-based Camp Sunshine could see him- or herself on the big screen in next year’s “Star Trek” blockbuster.
Camp officials announced Thursday afternoon the institution is one of nine charities selected by “Star Trek Beyond” cast members to benefit from a new fundraising campaign. Paramount Pictures and charity platform Omaze will randomly pick one donor to the campaign to appear — along with a friend — in a walk-on role in the upcoming movie.
“Star Trek Beyond” will be the third film in the latest generation reboot of the iconic science fiction franchise, following 2009’s “Star Trek” and 2013’s “Star Trek Into Darkness,” both of which were box office smashes, racking up $386 million and $467 million in ticket sales, respectively.
Camp Sunshine was personally chosen by actor Anton Yelchin, who plays young officer Pavel Chekov in the movie series, to benefit from the high-profile campaign. The Sebago Lake camp provides children with life-threatening illnesses and their families a place to relax “and take a break from the extraordinary demands placed on them on a daily basis,” an organization news release states, in part.
“We couldn’t be more pleased, and humbled, by the commitment of the cast to change the lives of ill children and their families around the world,” said Camp Sunshine Executive Director Michael Katz in a statement. “We are equally excited to be able to boldly go forward and serve even more families through this partnership.”
A $10 donation at Omaze.com/StarTrek garners 100 entries into the contest, and all proceeds will be divided equally between the nine cast-chosen charities, Thursday’s release states, in part. While the odds may be tall to win the coveted walk-on role, the contest also boasts a number of high-value consolation prizes as well.
“In addition to the grand prize, we’re selecting six more winners for our honorary ‘Boldly Go’ crew,” said star Chris Pine, who plays the character of Capt. James T. Kirk, made famous in previous decades by actor William Shatner.
Members of that crew will be flown out to the set of the movie, given a tour of the famed USS Enterprise set, hobnob with cast members and watch the filming of new scenes firsthand. Others may qualify to receive exclusive “Star Trek” merchandise, according to a promotional video posted by Omaze and the movie actors.
“I continue to be amazed by the outreach of our program and the partnerships we are able to nurture,” said Michael Smith, Camp Sunshine’s director of special events, in a statement. “Although this will generate significant funding for our program, the real windfall is the awareness this will create.”
Other charities to benefit from the fundraiser will include the Make-A-Wish fund, medical aid organization Direct Relief and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, among others.
