Red Cross Faces Huge Funding Loss Following NYS Fair Changes
End of an Era
After more than 20 years, the American Red Cross is officially concluding its Park It Forward fundraiser at the New York State Fair.
Generations of fairgoers were able to support a vital cause simply by choosing where to park.
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Volunteers connected with visitors who shared powerful stories of lifesaving blood donations, emergency military communications, and recovery support after devastating home fires.
Filling the Funding Gap
Last year marked the final season of the program as fairground owners have changed plans for the property.
Thanks to the long-standing generosity of Crucible and the cooperation of the property's new owners, generations of fairgoers were able to support a vital cause simply by choosing where to park.
The Red Cross says the lack of the Park It program will lead to a loss of $150,000 worth of crucial lifesaving benefits.
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Annually, the Red Cross responds to over 700 local disasters, collects more than 110,000 units of blood, and trains 30,000 people in lifesaving skills each year.
The Road Ahead
According to the Red Cross, the charity lot was the largest fundraiser of the year.
The Red Cross is now asking for community support by making donations valued to what they would have spent parking at the fair.
The Eastern New York Board of Directors has initiated a $10,000 matching challenge.
Every contribution ensures that local families facing emergencies will continue to receive the help they need.
Donations can be made by visiting ParkItForward.givesmart.com or by texting PARKITFORWARD to 76278.
Every Free Concert at the 2026 NYS Fair
Gallery Credit: Credit - Polly McAdams