While the holidays may be behind us, the spirit of giving back to the community is evergreen. Legends of Kings Park has embraced this notion for the past six years with their annual holiday fundraiser, in which they collect donations for the Smithtown Children’s Foundation and Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
Having worked in restaurants his whole life, owner Mark Torkelsen channeled his passion for the food and service industry and opened Legends in 2016. Located in close proximity to Main Street and the Kings Park train station, Legends offers a variety of classic American bar food with weekly takeout and happy hour specials.
Legends was quick to start giving back with the first annual fundraiser kicking off in 2018, and has grown every year since. The fundraiser takes place every December with support from family, friends, local businesses, and community members. There’s fun for the whole family, as the event features live music, raffle prizes, and even an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus on a firetruck! In addition to receiving sponsorships from other local businesses, donations in forms of money and toys go directly toward local families in need.
When asked what inspired him to start the fundraiser, Mark put it simply: he grew up watching his parents impact local communities through their work in schools and hospitals and loves being able to give back to the community that raised him. He quotes President Ronald Reagan, saying “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Mark credits partner Todd Feldman and Smithtown Children’s Foundation President Christine Fitzgerald for helping him make the fundraiser such a huge success year after year.
The most recent fundraiser accumulated $39,000, bringing the overall total to $126,000 raised since its inception. Mark is proud to say that every single dollar raised has gone back to the community and local families in need. He hopes to see the event get bigger in the future with more support from community members and local businesses, continuing to provide support to families and organizations like the Smithtown Children’s Foundation.
Don’t wait for the holidays to support a good cause, or to stop by Legends! They have delicious food like Buffalo Mac n Cheese and Steak Egg Rolls with signature drinks like the K.P. Express. Keep an eye on the holiday editions of ET later this year for more information on the annual fundraiser.
20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 