The Sullivan family is making the surrounding community better one train ride at a time.
For about the past decade, those operating the Sullivan Railroad in Horseheads have taken donations in exchange for a ride on the miniature train and passenger cars. Monies collected, in turn, are given to organizations that are near and dear to the Sullivan family’s heart, such as the Arctic League, Camp Star and rotary clubs. On Saturday, funds were raised for the American Diabetes Association.
“It was one thing to run the train, and for everyone to enjoy riding it, but then we got an idea, ‘well, why don’t we run it for a reason,’” Art Sullivan explained.
They never know exactly how many people to expect or how much they may raise, but seeing how much people enjoy the ride makes it worth it, Kevin Sullivan said.
“It’s a labor of love for all of us, I think,” Kevin Sullivan explained. “It’s part of our family. We’re a family of givers, really, it’s been instilled in me since I was a kid. You have to give back to your community.”