STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As the world celebrates the festivals of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kawanzaa, and shares gifts and holiday magic that transcends cultures all over the globe, incredible holiday displays illuminate Staten Island and beyond.
Once again Mindy and John Sorrentino have reprised their customized holiday extravaganza fundraiser for the sixth consecutive year.
Minnie and Mickey Mouse Nutcrackers and sister dogs, Bingo and Bluey are part of the Sorrentino Holiday Display in New Springville. (Courtesy/John Sorrentino)Staten Island Advance
And, as in year’s past, everyone will have five chances to come see Santa and Mickey, who will make appearances throughout the holiday season.
This year the husband-and-wife team’s sixth annual “Lacey’s Fur-Get Me Not Holiday Fundraiser” is set for Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13, and then again on Saturday, Dec 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Sorrentino’s invite all visitors to pose with Santa and bring the family and/or family pets with the goal of bringing smiles to kids’ faces — and at the same time help to spread awareness about the cause.
In addition to cartoon characters, virtual “Winter Wonderland” is bedecked with extravagant Christmas décor featuring Santa and his elves and popular Disney, Looney Tunes and Sesame Street characters. Folks can watch Santa and his elves handcraft Christmas toys for children in the upper window of their home. (Courtesy/John Sorrentino)Staten Island Advance
Holiday prizes will also be raffled during the fundraiser.
The display is located at 18 Carpenter Ave. in New Springville.
Donations are optional. But proceeds are earmarked for Staten Island’s animal rescue organizations.
The lively Winter Wonderland is dotted with Winnie the Pool, the Cookie Monster, and Mickey and Minnie and a slew of others. (Courtesy/John Sorrentino)Staten Island Advance
The fundraiser is named for the Sorrentino’s dog, Lacey, who died several years ago.
THE SORRENTINO’S STORY
During Christmas of 2020 the Sorrentino’s said goodbye to their dog, Lacey, after 17 years of unconditional love.
“We were heartbroken,” they said. “We spent all of 2021 fostering dogs and happily all six of them found their forever homes.”
Mindy Sorrentino and Yorkies Inara and her mom, Khaleesi. (Courtesy/John Sorrentino)Staten Island Advance
In 2022 they welcomed two Yorkies, Khaleesi and Inara, who they adopted from Blake’s Sake Rescue.
“We officially adopted them and hearts were healed,” they explained.
None of that would have been possible without the help of local animal rescue organizations.
The Count Down to Christmas Clock, surrounded by Rudolph and the Misfit Toys. (Courtesy/John Sorrentino)Staten Island Advance
“There’s nothing better than seeing kids’ faces light up when families stop by to see the display,” said John, a retired firefighter. “Santa can’t wait to see all the families and their pets at the upcoming fundraiser this weekend and next weekend. Let’s all join forces again this holiday season so we can bring love and happiness to families and their pets for years to come.”
John and Mindy Sorrentino’s holiday display doubles as a fundraiser in memory of their dog, Lacey, who died a few years ago. Visitors are able to donate to animal rescue while taking in the lights at 18 Carpenter Ave. in New Springville. (Courtesy John Sorrentino)John Sorrentino
Mindy added, “Fostering could be weeks to months, but it keeps animals out of shelters. We are doing this in honor of Lacey and to raise awareness and funds for animals in need.”
“Since we’ve always been big animal lovers we are thrilled to be able to help give dogs and cats in need a chance at a better life. If we all pitch in just a little we can make their world a better place. And it’s hard to tell who has more fun at the fundraiser, Santa, Mickey or the kids.”
John and Mindy Sorrentino (Courtesy John Sorrentino)(Courtesy/John Sorrentino)
Mindy and John will be handing out Christmas tree ornaments and candy canes for children at the fundraiser.
MORE ON THE HOLIDAY DISPLAY
On display outside the couple’s New Springville home re Donald Duck animatronics and a Mickey Mouse and Minion animatronics.
John and Mindy Sorrentino’s holiday display doubles as a fundraiser in memory of their beloved dog, Lacey, who died a few years ago. Visitors are able to donate to animal rescue while taking in the lights at 18 Carpenter Ave. in New Springville. Courtesy John Sorrentino(Courtesy/John Sorrentino)
“They all move and sing Christmas songs,” John continued. “Also new is a singing Santa, new additions to the ice pond, The Grinch and his dog Max, new lights, and most importantly we will have both Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse will make an appearance throughout the season for our fundraiser.”
There’s a new addition to the ice pond. (Courtesy/John Sorrentino)Staten Island Advance
Each year, Mindy, John and their daughter, Raquel, expand their “Winter Wonderland” always bedecked with extravagant Christmas décor and a slew of cartoon characters and holiday attractions featuring Santa and his elves, and popular Disney, Looney Tunes and Sesame Street characters.
Dumbo has been added to the holiday display at the Sorrentino’s New Springville home. (Courtesy/John Sorrentino)Staten Island Advance
DEFINITE STANDOUTS
Standouts include Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys and Sesame Street characters.
Plus, hand-made one-of-a-kind pieces of Bugs Bunny and his crew on a sled.
A vintage display including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, handcrafted over 70 years ago by John Sorrentino’s dad, aunt and uncle, also come to life.
New Santas and Sesame Street characters light up 18 Carpenter Ave. in New Springville. (Courtesy/John Sorrentino)Staten Island Advance
Then there’s an impressive penguin ice pond with a slide, the Grinch character, the Flintstones, Popeye, Winnie the Pooh and friends, Magilla Gorilla, Underdog, Mickey and friends on a sled and other Christmas related pieces.
Mindy and John Sorrentino’s home at 18 Carpenter Ave, New Springville, is ready to welcome visitors again. (Staten Island Advance/Lauren Lovallo)(Staten Island Advance/Lauren Lovallo)
And in a “live feed” from the North Pole, kids can watch Santa and his elves handcraft Christmas toys.
NEW THIS YEAR
Added this year are sister dogs, Bluey and Bingo, as well as Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse Nutcrackers.
Giant three-foot-high light bulbs sprinkled around the property now grace the display.
Mindy and John Sorrentino’s home at 18 Carpenter Ave, New Springville, is ready to welcome visitors again. (Staten Island Advance/Lauren Lovallo)(Staten Island Advance/Lauren Lovallo)
And decorations 3D in appearance are showcased in the colorful holiday display, as well as additions to the must-see ice pond.
It’s definitely worth the trip!