American Christmas 'Christmas Experience' Raised $80K For Nonprofits

MOUNT VERNON, NY — It is truly better to give than to receive and one Mount Vernon business knows that better than most.

American Christmas, located at 30 Warren Place in Mount Vernon, has been creating some of the world’s most famous holiday displays for over 50 years, including at Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Macy’s, Cartier, Saks, Harry Winston, Ralph Lauren and J. Crew. The company operates in 30 states much to the delight of holiday revelers across the U.S.

This past holiday season, the company opened its doors to the public for the first time, giving ticketholders a peek at the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the magical Christmas displays the company is known for. In addition to warehouse admission, visitors were able to tour the company’s showroom, which was transformed into Santa’s Workshop, ideal for photo-taking under 50,000 twinkling lights and included many fun animatronics and surprises. The public was also able to shop on-site at both the outlet store, which offered hundreds of vintage displays of all shapes and sizes, as well as at the "Christmas in America" retail shop, filled with unique ornaments and decorations.

SEE ALSO:

• American Christmas Opens Mount Vernon Workshop To Public For 1st Time
• American Christmas Expands Weekend Hours Due To Popular Demand

"We are so proud to support these three local and important nonprofit organizations," American Christmas CEO Dan Casterella said. "We are happy to give back to the community that supports us all year long."

The popular event, which ran from Nov. 4 - Dec. 23, attracted 7,000 visitors from over 20 states. All proceeds from this new Christmas tradition benefitted The Mount Vernon Boys & Girls Club, the Northeast STEM Starter Academy of Mt. Vernon, and the Youth Community Outreach Program of Mount Vernon. An overwhelming success, the Christmas Experience was able to donate $27,071 to each of the three organizations.

Unlike the Christmas gifts found under the tree in December, these gifts will keep giving.

"This valuable donation will allow us to engage at least 100 additional students in one of our 2023 STEM learning programs—something that would not have otherwise been possible," Gerald Dennis, Founder, Executive Director, Northeast STEM Starter Academy of Mt. Vernon, said. "We are extremely thankful and appreciate everyone at American Christmas who made this effort such a success."

Likewise, the hefty donation will allow programs like the Youth Community Outreach Program to pay it forward.

"Kudos to Dan Casterella and the entire team at American Christmas for going above and beyond to support our programs at the Youth Community Outreach Program in Mount Vernon," Henry Wilson, Executive Director of YCOP of Mt. Vernon, stated. "This very generous gift will go towards the purchase of supplies for our after school, youth development basketball and teen programs."

Thanks to the American Christmas "Christmas Experience," more than just those who delighted at the behind-the-scenes tour are convinced that there very much is such a thing as Santa Claus.

"American Christmas has been an extraordinary partner of the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon since they arrived In Mount Vernon in 2010," Melvin Campos, CEO of The Mount Vernon Boys & Girls Club, said. "This year they have taken their commitment to another level. The three organizations benefiting from their generosity will be able to provide better services for our youth."

More information about American Christmas can be found here.