Red Cross warns it could lose $150,000 as fair parking fundraiser ends after 20 years

GEDDES, N.Y. — The American Red Cross said it will no longer operate its “Park It Forward” fundraiser at The Great New York State Fair.

The Red Cross warned that this means it could lose around $150,000 meant to support its services. This will be the first time in 20 years that it does not hold the fundraiser at the Crucible’s parking lot.

Crucible previously donated the parking lot for the use of the Red Cross.

However, the property, which is right across from the New York State Fairgrounds, was sold last year. The new owner gave the Red Cross one more year to hold the fundraiser in the parking lot.

Our volunteers welcomed visitors with a smile, and in return, fairgoers shared deeply personal stories—of blood donations that saved loved ones, families helped after devastating home fires, military families reunited through emergency communications, and neighbors who found hope because the Red Cross was there when they needed it most. Those conversations were a powerful reminder that the Red Cross is more than an organization—it is a promise to help people in times of crisis.

People would pay to park in the Crucible parking lot. The money would go toward the American Red Cross. The organization said it now needs to find a way to replace the $150,000.

The Red Cross said that the American Red Cross Eastern New York Board of Directors has made a first commitment with a $10,000 matching challenge.

Donations to the Red Cross can be made at this link.