Legoland raises money so that sick children can go to Legoland
GOSHEN — Legoland New York raised $10,000 at its first annual gala, “A Knight of Magic,” according to parent company Merlin Entertainments.
All proceeds will benefit Merlin’s children’s charity, Merlin’s Magic Wand, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The charity supports the lives of children facing illness, disability or adversity around the globe.
“In ten years, we’ve helped nearly a half- million children and their families to have Magical Days Out, providing tickets and travel grants to attend Merlin attractions such as Legoland,” said Sandra Hazel, head of Merlin’s Magic Wand. “For those too unwell for a day out, we can bring the fun to them with our exciting Merlin’s Magic Spaces projects. We are so grateful for the support that allows us to continue this important work.”
The black-tie gala, held June 9 at Villa Venezia in Middletown, was attended by nearly 200 leaders from Hudson Valley community and business organizations. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus was also in attendance, along with representatives from the offices of Governor Andrew Cuomo and Senator Charles Schumer.
The event also featured a silent auction of items including a birthday party meet-and-greet with a Legoland-costumed character, a helicopter tour of the Hudson Valley, and a VIP day at Legoland New York, which will feature more than 50 rides, shows and attractions when it opens in the spring of 2020.
“If you drive past the site of our park on Route 17 in Goshen, you’ll see construction is in full swing,” said Phil Royle, Director of Development for Legoland New York. “We’re excited to be part of a new tourism corridor that will bring more than 6 million visitors and 4,000 jobs to the Hudson Valley, and to support Merlin’s Magic Wand in bringing the LEGOLAND experience to every child who wants one.”
Student volunteers from Orange-Ulster BOCES’ Including Communities Program provided support at the gala, helping to welcome and seat the invited guests. Those at the gala were also treated to string quartet music by students from Monroe-Woodbury High School.
Tax breaks for LegolandLegoland New York will reap around $38 million in tax breaks through a 20-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) program approved last fall by the Orange County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Without the PILOT, Merlin would have owed the county, municipalities, school districts and fire districts about $125 million. Instead, Merlin Entertainments has agreed to pay the following sums over the next 20 years:
$10.3 million to Orange County
$11.65 million to the Town of Goshen
$60.56 million to the Goshen Central School District
$5.73 million to the Goshen Fire Department
$400,100 to the Chester Union Free School District
$2,100 to the Chester Fire Department
Related story:"Legoland developer proposes reduced tax-break": https://bit.ly/2lBEbYJ