LEGOLAND® NEW YORK “AWESOME AWARENESS DAYS” RAISE $3,000 FOR NOT-FOR-PROFITS Proceeds Benefit Beautiful People, Pets Alive and Merlin’s Magic Wand

GOSHEN, NY (July 30, 2018) – LEGOLAND® New York raised $3,000.00 for not-for-profit organizations during its “Awesome Awareness Days,” parent company Merlin Entertainments announced today. The proceeds were divided equally between local not-for-profits Beautiful People of the Hudson Valley and Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, as well as Merlin’s children’s charity Merlin’s Magic Wand.

Between March and June, LEGOLAND New York held a series of three “Awesome Awareness Days” to give local businesses, schools and charities information about partnership and vendor opportunities. Participants were asked to contribute $10.00 per person towards the donation.

“It’s incredibly important to us to reach out to the local community,” said Phil Royle, Director of Development for LEGOLAND New York. “We’re proud to provide ongoing support to these two amazing charities, Beautiful People and Pets Alive. The wonderful work they’re doing is very much in alignment with our values here at Merlin.”

Beautiful People aims to build bridges between children with disabilities and their families and the broader community of Orange County by providing adaptive sports for children and young adults.

Pets Alive, which recently was named “Best Non-Profit” in the Times Herald-Record’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, is a no-kill animal rescue which aims to improve the lives of companion animals everywhere.

The Orange County and Goshen Chambers of Commerce helped coordinate the donations to the two local not-for-profits.

“It was our privilege to partner with LEGOLAND New York to bring vendor opportunities to our members and the business community,” said Lynn Allen Cione, President, and CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. “We are gratified at LEGOLAND New York’s ongoing support of our businesses and our not-for-profits, such as Pets Alive and Beautiful People. Our not-for-profits are a vital part of our community and their good work is essential to our quality of life. “

Merlin’s Magic Wand, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, supports the lives of children facing illness, disability or adversity around the globe by providing them tickets and travel grants for “Magical Days Out” at Merlin attractions, or bringing the fun to them via the charity’s “Merlin’s Magic Spaces” projects.

When it opens in spring 2020, LEGOLAND New York will feature more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, all geared towards families with children ages 2-12. The Park, currently under construction in Goshen, will also include a 250 room LEGO themed hotel from the outset.

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