Mystic Aquarium Makes 7,000 lb Food Donation to United Way Food Center

Mystic, CT – On Friday night, December 7, nearly 5,500 guests visited Mystic Aquarium as part of Olde Mistick Village’s Festival of Lights. Thanks to the generosity of those guests, Mystic Aquarium, with the help of Mystic Transportation, delivered 7,039 pounds of non-perishable food to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center in New London this morning.
 
An additional $801 was collected in monetary donations in support of the local food center.
 
“This is one of those events that we, as an organization, look forward to each year,” said Ainslie Daly, Special Events Manager for Mystic Aquarium. “The spirit of the guests, the talent and enthusiasm of the performers, the overall feel of the Aquarium and the Village and the ability to support the food center in this way, Festival of Lights really embodies the true meaning of Christmas.”
 
Each year Mystic Aquarium proudly joins the Olde Mistick Village for Festival of Lights, a popular local holiday tradition featuring an enchanting light display of thousands of luminaria, shopping, live seasonal entertainment and more. Mystic Aquarium extends complimentary admission during the evening with the donation of a non-perishable food item.
 
On Friday evening, guests enjoyed pictures with Santa, face painting, storytelling by The Winter Lady & Sprites along with diving Santa and elves. Live entertainment was provided by Saxophone Santa, Ledyard High School Carolers, Mystic River Chorale, The Cutler Brass Ensemble & Jazz Band, Jo Ann Galat Brown Music Teaching School and Kik’s Dance Center.
 
Outside the Sea Scouts worked tirelessly collecting and sorting the over 7,000 pounds of food in preparation for delivery by Mystic Transportation, who also donates use of the truck.
 
“It was truly a community event,” added Daly, “from Olde Mistick Village’s leadership to the participation of the Mystic Hilton; all the local school groups, to the Sea Scouts and Mystic Transportation and, of course, those who traveled near and far to join us for this very special night.”
 
Since 1988, the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center has played a key role in providing one of the building blocks to a good quality of life by feeding food insecure individuals and families all across the community.

About Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only belugas. Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research. Mystic Aquarium receives major support from The Coca-Cola Company, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Resorts World Sentosa and United Technologies Corporation. Learn more at MysticAquarium.org.