Nine-year-old Bronx girl Kimberly Tapia, who was left terrified to go outside after being assaulted by a homeless man at Grand Central Terminal, was able to find her smile again during a free trip to a New Jersey theme park. The trip was organized by American Dream, the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere, after reading about Kimberly’s ordeal in The New York Post. Kimberly enjoyed mechanical animal rides, mini golf, mirror mazes, and other attractions at Nickelodeon Universe on Monday.
American Dream contacted Kimberly’s mother, Juana Tapia, through City Hall and NYPD officials to arrange the special day for Kimberly. Juana Tapia expressed her gratitude to American Dream for taking them out to play games, buying them candies, teddy bears, and ice cream, and for giving them a warm welcome. The mall even put Kimberly’s name on a giant slime bucket, a Nickelodeon signature item, as a special touch for her visit.
In addition to the rides and attractions, the Tapia family enjoyed a complimentary lunch at MrBeast Burger and a “candy raid” at IT’SUGAR, a three-story confectionery store in the mall. The highlight of the day was seeing Kimberly’s smile and joy as she experienced the theme park. The staff at American Dream were happy to bring some joy into Kimberly’s life and were equally delighted by her presence during the visit.
National Latino Police Officer Advocate Association members escorted the Tapia family from their Bronx apartment to the East Rutherford site and back as an added gesture of support and safety. The officers reassured Kimberly that she was safe and that everything would be okay after the traumatic incident that happened to her. Juana Tapia expressed surprise and delight at the fact that Kimberly had fun during the visit despite being scared before going to the theme park.
The support and kindness shown by American Dream and the National Latino Police Officer Advocate Association had a significant impact on Kimberly and her family, bringing back her smile and helping her overcome her fears from the previous assault. The community efforts to uplift and support Kimberly during this challenging time demonstrated the power of kindness and compassion in helping individuals heal and find happiness in the face of adversity. Kimberly’s trip to the theme park was a memorable and heartwarming experience that brought positivity and joy back into her life.
