Adventureland Raises $275K For Long Island Organizations

FARMINGDALE, NY — Adventureland, an amusement park in Farmingdale, held its fifth annual Helping Hands Event on Sept. 9.

Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation VIP Night Fundraisers have raised more than a combined $1 million for the Long Island community over five years, according to a news release. This year's event raised $275,000, according to Adventureland's Helping Hands Foundation.

Each September, the Helping Hands Foundation hosts a VIP night of unlimited food and rides at Adventureland. The events help support programs that fulfill a variety of needs throughout Long Island as a whole.

“My family and my Adventureland family cannot say THANK YOU enough to the Long Island community for supporting our Helping Hands Foundation and allowing us to make a real difference in the lives of Long Islanders," Adventureland owner Steve Gentile stated. "The Vivian and Tony Gentile Scholarship Program and our other programs continue to grow and thrive and it’s all due to the tremendous support we receive from those who believe in our mission to help Long Island reach its potential!”

The entertainment at the event was orchestrated by Brian Rosenberg of BRNY Events. The ceremony kicked off with a spirited version of the National Anthem sung by 10-year-old Charlize Tuozzo, who amazed everyone with her undeniable talent, the news release states. states.

Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation awarded more than $55,000 to Long Island students through the Vivian & Tony Gentile Scholarship Program and the Sachem Dental Group Endowment. Additionally, the foundation highlighted the local non-profits they help support, like Splashes of Hope and the Marty Lyons Foundation, and then closed the ceremony by announcing a $50,000 pledge to the Good Samaritan Hospital NICU.

Following the ceremony; attendees were treated to music by Long Island's Randy Jackson (from National Recording Artists ZEBRA); Christian Guardino (from American Idol and America’s Got Talent Fame) and LI’s DJ THEO.

"Spirits were very high; on this picture-perfect night; as everyone listened to the music; explored all Adventureland has to offer, enjoying rides and games," the news release states. "This was in part made possible by all the many sponsors and is truly an example of THE BEST OF LI!"