Support LI Family and Business (COVID Shutdown)
Donation protected
The Antoniou Family runs family amusement centers (Xplore & Safari Adventure) on Long Island and have been shut down since March due to NY state mandates related to COVID-19. Their centers feature arcade games, laser tag, bounce attractions and more, providing enrichment to children of all ages - but have been unable to operate, despite the importance of social contact and social growth for children during this time. After being shuttered for the past 9 months, the business and family are now facing financial hardship.
They invested THOUSANDS of dollars for PPE, signage, staff training, upgraded MERV-13 HVAC filtration, plexiglass partitions, anti-microbial fogging treatment on all surfaces, and more in preparation for opening their establisments in July during PHASE 4, but the governor moved the goal posts 2 days prior to PHASE 4 and extended shutdown mandates requiring them to stay closed. They have not been allowed to open safely with limited capacity or even host private birthday parties.
While their facilities have been closed, other similar entities have been able to conduct business - karate centers, bowling alleys, gymnastics, and movie theaters. A child’s birthday party can take place at an ice cream shop, pizzeria, bowling alley, indoor sports arena, or gaming truck, but not in a family fun center. Not to mention, CASINOS and even STRIP CLUBS are able to continue to operate and conduct business. They have been given no choice but to shut their doors while the other industries continue to operate. We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the hypocrisy we are seeing in these goverment shutdowns and believe that all entrepreneurs should have a chance to open their business as safely as possible!
The Antoniou family is a pillar of the Long Island community. Their business is built on providing the community with good old fashioned fun and over the years, they have raised funds for local families in their times of need. They believe in the power of giving back, recently raising money for Thomas Valva's family and providing free play sessions for front-line workers, law enforcement, military and veterans.
Now, the Antonious are facing their own challenge. They have been served a $100K lawsuit from landlord and are threatened with daily fines of $15K if they open against the mandates. Their financial stresses related to these COVID shutdowns are real and they need help!
We just want to see them have a chance to conduct business, a chance to be treated like other businesses, and a chance to operate! The Antonious are young entrepreneurs who risked it all to open this business, built it from the ground up and now are watching it be ruined by SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT of rules.
Please consider supporting the Antonious during this time. We know that this year has been difficult on everyone, and are only asking for donations if you can afford to do so. Please know that every little bit helps as they have 4 young children to support.
They are fighting daily to get their business back open, but in the interim we appreciate any additional support, including:
- Donation via this GoFundMe (all donations will go towards family costs, mortgage payments, food for children, bills and more)
- Spreading the word via local news outlets and government to stop this suffering!
Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Stay safe and have a wonderful holiday season.
They invested THOUSANDS of dollars for PPE, signage, staff training, upgraded MERV-13 HVAC filtration, plexiglass partitions, anti-microbial fogging treatment on all surfaces, and more in preparation for opening their establisments in July during PHASE 4, but the governor moved the goal posts 2 days prior to PHASE 4 and extended shutdown mandates requiring them to stay closed. They have not been allowed to open safely with limited capacity or even host private birthday parties.
While their facilities have been closed, other similar entities have been able to conduct business - karate centers, bowling alleys, gymnastics, and movie theaters. A child’s birthday party can take place at an ice cream shop, pizzeria, bowling alley, indoor sports arena, or gaming truck, but not in a family fun center. Not to mention, CASINOS and even STRIP CLUBS are able to continue to operate and conduct business. They have been given no choice but to shut their doors while the other industries continue to operate. We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the hypocrisy we are seeing in these goverment shutdowns and believe that all entrepreneurs should have a chance to open their business as safely as possible!
The Antoniou family is a pillar of the Long Island community. Their business is built on providing the community with good old fashioned fun and over the years, they have raised funds for local families in their times of need. They believe in the power of giving back, recently raising money for Thomas Valva's family and providing free play sessions for front-line workers, law enforcement, military and veterans.
Now, the Antonious are facing their own challenge. They have been served a $100K lawsuit from landlord and are threatened with daily fines of $15K if they open against the mandates. Their financial stresses related to these COVID shutdowns are real and they need help!
We just want to see them have a chance to conduct business, a chance to be treated like other businesses, and a chance to operate! The Antonious are young entrepreneurs who risked it all to open this business, built it from the ground up and now are watching it be ruined by SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT of rules.
Please consider supporting the Antonious during this time. We know that this year has been difficult on everyone, and are only asking for donations if you can afford to do so. Please know that every little bit helps as they have 4 young children to support.
They are fighting daily to get their business back open, but in the interim we appreciate any additional support, including:
- Donation via this GoFundMe (all donations will go towards family costs, mortgage payments, food for children, bills and more)
- Spreading the word via local news outlets and government to stop this suffering!
Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Stay safe and have a wonderful holiday season.
Organizer
Robert Bender
Organizer
Northport, NY
