The owners of New York City’s largest amusement area are working to bring joy back into the lives of girls whose families are going through tough times.
Senior officials from Luna Park in Coney Island went to City Hall on July 23 to present a $51,233 check to leaders of Girl Scout Troop 6000, a troop comprised largely of young girls living in the city’s homeless shelter system.
The donation was made through the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York, an organization that works to improve the lives of everyday New Yorkers through charitable works.
Luna Park President Alex Zamperla, who presented the check to Meridith Maskara, the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, said Troop 6000 performs important work, not just for its members, but for the city as a whole.
“We are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to support Troop 6000. Our city benefits from the remarkable programs, scholarships, and activities provided by Troop 6000,” Zamperla said in statement.
Luna Park, which employs more than 800 workers, is a shorefront amusement park in Coney Island that features more than 40 rides, including famous thrill rides like the Coney Island Cyclone and the Thunderbolt.
Girl Scout Troop 6000 was founded in 2017 at a homeless shelter. Girl Scouts of the USA is currently working with city officials, the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York, and business leaders to expand the troop to 15 sites around the city.
When Luna Park opened for the season in May, the owners offered free admission to anyone willing to make a donation to the Mayor’s Fund. It marked the first time in the amusement park’s history that admission was free.
Members of Troop 6000 and their families were invited to Luna Park for a day of fun – admission free.
Troop 6000 holds its meetings once a week in city-run homeless shelters, moving the meeting site around each week to accommodate the girls who have to move around from shelter to shelter because of family circumstances. The troop is led by women who also live in the shelter system.