Way to Go: Samantha Marcus, Jericho

A Jericho teenager has raised more than $35,000 over the past three years for Sunrise Day Camp in Wheatley Heights, which focuses on serving children who have cancer.

Samantha Marcus, 17, a senior at Jericho High School, raised the money through fitness-themed fundraisers in which participants made donations in exchange for time on a spin bike during a class at SoulCycle in Woodbury.

Marcus said she was inspired to help Sunrise because her parents and brother have volunteered at the 300-acre camp for children ages 3-16. It is operated by Friedberg Jewish Community Center in Oceanside.

"I went to camp and I know how important it is to experience a home away from home," Marcus said. "Sunrise gives kids an environment to forget about their cancer for a while."

To promote the fundraisers, Marcus spread the word through social media and her school's Sunrise Club, of which she is president. Each event attracted several dozen riders who made donations of $50 to $250 based upon which row of bikes they chose to ride.

Marcus is a member of her school's varsity lacrosse team and Art Honor Society. She also sings several times a year for senior citizens at a nursing home in Great Neck.