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“It was a great night — lots of laughs, smiles, and fun all night long!”
That’s how Adventureland’s Jeanine Gentile described Friday’s action-packed evening at the Farmingdale amusement park.
But this wasn’t just any night on Route 110 — it was VIP Night, and the crowds came out for more than just rides and funnel cakes.
They came to support fellow Long Islanders.
Giving back while riding high
When most people think of Adventureland, they think of Turbulence, Fireball, or maybe even the old-school Gravitron. But behind the flashing lights and thrill rides is another mission — one rooted in community.
That’s the mission of Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation, a nonprofit launched in 2013 by the Gentile family, who own and operate the park. The goal: to give back to Long Islanders and “lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need.”
The foundation runs toy and food drives, supports juvenile diabetes research, donates to Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism, and much more.
This year alone, the Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation awarded $65,000 in scholarships to 13 high school seniors across the Island who have shown an outstanding commitment to service.
What makes VIP Night special
VIP Night fuels those efforts. Now in its eighth year, the after-hours bash offers unlimited rides, unlimited catered food, and a chance to support Adventureland’s charitable programs.
And this year’s fundraiser was the biggest yet, with more than 2,000 tickets sold.
“We raised over $400,000,” Jeanine told Greater Long Island. “It’s all to support our fellow Long Islanders, and we want to say thank you to everyone.”
Since the fundraiser began, the foundation has raised more than $2 million for local causes.
“We’re more than thrilled, more than ecstatic with the support we’re getting from the Long Island community,” said Helping Hands Foundation President Steve Gentile.
Looking ahead
Mark your calendars: Next year’s VIP Night is already set for Sept. 11, 2026.
Top photo credit: Andrew Rappaport
