The Sunshine Foundation was initiated in 1997 by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, Catherine "Kitty" Kimball, Dr. Sally Clausen, and Shirley Porter. The three had a vision of addressing issues that affect a child's self-esteem and to offer information for parents and caregivers on ways to build a positive self-concept in young children.

 

Porter authored the book You Are Sunshine which is distributed to kindergarten students in the State of Louisiana each school year. The Louisiana National Guard adopted the distribution of You Are Sunshine as their State-Wide Community Service Project. For 18 years, the guard read to kindergarteners in Louisiana and gave them their own books. Recently, the Louisiana Sheriff's Association has joined in the distribution and reading of You Are Sunshine. It is our hope that the young children will have a positive attitude towards Law Enforcement from this age. 

 

Today the Sunshine Foundation acts as a 501(c)3 organization to raise funds for the continued printing and distribution of the books.