BRANFORD, Conn. -

A Connecticut Subaru dealership continued to enhance a charitable program orchestrated by the OEM, resulting in a donation of more than $50,000 to an organization near the store.

Premier Subaru has built off of the automaker’s Share the Love event, and this week the dealership presented a check for $53,552 to Camp Rising Sun. Having raised funds for the organization for four years in a row, total contributions from Premier Subaru to Camp Rising Sun now have exceeded $200,000.

Camp Rising Sun was designed to provide a safe nurturing environment to children ages 5 through 17 who have been diagnosed with cancer. Camp week takes place at Camp Jewell YMCA in Colebrook, Conn. A number of “Senior Campers” have become “Leaders in Training” to help with the younger campers and plan activities.

Camp Rising Sun has been around since 1983 and has grown to more than 100 campers. The funds provided by Premier Subaru, during the most recent Share the Love program, will support more than 40 campers this year.

“Thanks to Bob Alvine and the entire Premier Subaru Team, we will be able to provide an awesome summer camp experience to even more kids with cancer,” Camp Rising Sun director Shaun Heffernan said.

“Being a small volunteer organization without a national sponsor, fundraising is always a challenge. Bob and his team’s hard work will help put smiles on the faces of our campers this summer,” Heffernan continued.

In 2013, Subaru of America gave dealerships the option to add a local charity, and Premier Subaru took the opportunity to align with Camp Rising Sun.

“I am honored to participate with such an organization. An organization that brings smiles to brave children and their families,” Premier Subaru president Bob Alvine said. “We are duly proud to have raised this money and deeply thank our customers and employees.”

Along with Camp Rising Sun, Premier Subaru has also been involved in a number of other philanthropic endeavors, including The Branford Jazz on the Green series, Toys for Tots, Jane Doe No More, and the American Cancer Society.