Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation has established a new endowed scholarship for residents in the School of Dental Medicine’s pediatric dentistry residency program — a vital field that advances children’s health across Long Island and beyond.
Adventureland is a family-friendly amusement park for all ages located in Farmingdale, New York. Founded in 2013 by the Gentile family in honor of Adventureland’s co-founder, Tony Gentile, Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation has long championed local health initiatives and educational opportunities. Rooted in Adventureland’s mission to bring joy to families, the foundation reflects the Gentiles’ enduring commitment to giving back to the community.
“Children are at the heart of Adventureland. We’re here to help families create memories — and while we can’t provide pediatric dental care, we’re proud to support it at Stony Brook,” said Caitlin DiSclafani, marketing director of Adventureland.
Anthony Gentile, a member of the Sachem Dental Group, recognized an opportunity to amplify the family’s impact through two transformative funding matches: the New York State endowment match program and the Simons Infinity Investment Match Challenge. Inspired by Sachem Dental Group’s long-standing support of the School of Dental Medicine, he encouraged his brother, Steve, Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation president, to take part.
Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation’s board of directors has committed to securing $200,000 through the New York State endowment match program and the Simons Infinity Investment Match Challenge. These funds will support Stony Brook University and the endowed scholarship, stemming from the foundation’s $100,000 donation to the university’s School of Dental Medicine.
“Pediatric dentistry plays an essential role in lifelong health,” added DiSclafani. “Through these match opportunities, our hope is to multiply our impact — supporting students as they prepare to serve children and communities throughout New York and beyond. And if our contribution inspires others to invest in this work, all the better.”
Adventureland’s Helping Hands Pediatric Dental Scholarship Endowment Fund will support residents pursuing specialty training in pediatric dentistry, empowering them to focus on care, research and service — with reduced financial barriers.
“We are deeply grateful to Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation for this meaningful gift,” said Patrick Lloyd, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “This scholarship will support our students as they become leaders in pediatric dentistry — wherever they choose to practice — and will leave a lasting imprint on the lives of countless children and families.”
Funding for Adventureland’s Helping Hands Pediatric Dental Scholarship Endowment Fund is amplified by both the New York State endowment match program and the Simons Infinity Investment Match Challenge, which will triple the impact this endowment gift will have on Stony Brook. For more information, visit stonybrook.edu/endowments. If you have interest in or questions about endowments or the match opportunities, contact Scott Barrett, interim vice president for Advancement, at (631) 632-9128 or scott.barrett@stonybrook.edu.