Playland to Host “Light the Night” Walk to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at Playland Park

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the historic amusement park will welcome back friends, families, corporate teams and sponsors for the annual one-mile, lantern-lit walk, along with other family-friendly activities, to support blood cancer research and honor those impacted by the disease. 

Rye, New York – September 9, 2024 – Playland, the premiere waterfront destination and historic amusement park, is proud to welcome back the “Light the Night” Walk at Playland Park on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The cherished event in Rye, New York is part of a nationwide series of walks held each fall season, drawing approximately 1 million participants across the U.S. to raise funds and awareness for blood cancer research and patient support. Individuals, friends and families come together for a lantern-lit walk, with each person carrying a colored lantern that represents a different meaning – red for supporters, white for survivors and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Playland has hosted the Light the Night walk nearly every year since 2011.

“We are honored to welcome back the Light the Night Walk at Playland to champion such a vital cause. The beautiful visual of the lanterns together is a powerful tribute to all those lives touched by blood cancer and showcases the strength of our community. This special annual event brings families and friends together for a memorable evening, while shining a light on the crucial mission of cancer research,” said Evonne Keeler, CEO of Playland. 

The event will take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the opening ceremony and walk beginning at 6:30 PM. The walk itself is approximately one mile long and following the walk will be a firework display at 7:45 PM. Leading up to the walk, guests can enjoy a range of family friendly activities including face painting, poster decorating, a glam station and kids’ games. Those who have registered can pick up their lanterns at the Lantern Tent. Children ages 12 and under do not need to register, but they must be accompanied by an adult to receive a lantern. The rain or shine event will offer on-site food vendors, free parking, and permits service animals, dogs, strollers and wheelchairs.

“We’re so excited to once again bring the blood cancer community together at Light the Night! Last year, this event raised $1.2 million dollars for lifesaving research to cure blood cancer, in addition to advocacy and support for blood cancer patients and their families. This is such a special community, and we are so excited to light the night again” said Mackenzie Page, Campaign Development Manager for Westchester-Fairfield at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Fundraising milestones will offer various incentives for participants. For raising $100, individuals will become a “Champion for a Cure” and receive an official t-shirt. If individuals raise $1,000, they will earn a long-sleeve shirt and gain exclusive access to the VIP Tent at the event. All registered participants who raise $100 or more on their individual fundraising page will receive a t-shirt, which can be picked up at the walk.

The Light the Night Walk at Playland schedule includes:

• 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Guests can enjoy family friendly activities such as face painting, poster decorating, a glam station and kids’ games
• 6:30 PM: The opening ceremony and walk will commence
• 7:45 PM: Firework display

While cash and checks cannot be accepted at the walk, digital donation options will be available on the night of the event. Any other donations can be mailed to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Connecticut – Hudson Valley Region, PO Box 22470, New York, NY 10087-2470.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit www.lightthenight.org/events/westchester-lower-hudson-valley.

For more information about Playland including new events and initiatives, visit https://playland.com and follow Playland on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and LinkedIn.