Dyker Heights man’s charity hot chocolate stand shut down; he seeks to fight action

December 28, 2018 By Raanan Geberer Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The beautiful displays of Christmas lights in Dyker Heights are a popular event, but some in the neighborhood are worried the community-wide show has grown too large. Eagle photo by Steve Solomonson

The displays of Christmas lights in Dyker Heights are a popular event, but some in the neighborhood are worried the community-wide show has grown too large. Photo: Steve Solomonson/Brooklyn Eagle

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Every December since 2015, Dyker Heights resident Greg Maugeri has operated a hot chocolate-and-cookie stand in his aunt’s driveway to accommodate tourists who come to see the area’s famed Christmas lights.

This year, he vowed to give the money to a cancer charity and even got a permit for the stand — but local authorities shut him down nonetheless, according to PIX11.

In the past, Maugeri and his family have donated the money to Toys for Tots. This year, however, he lost his stepfather to cancer, so he decided to donate the money to Cookies for Kids Cancer, PIX11 reported.

He pledged $2,500 to the charity, but then, despite his permit, the city Department of Health told him to close the stand because they said it was illegal. He was given two tickets and a summons and faces up to $4,000 in fines, PIX11 said.

Maugeri has vowed to fight the summons and has hired a lawyer. But he’s worried he won’t be able to meet his $2,500 charity goal, so he’s started a GoFundMe campaign. If his fight and fundraising goals are successful, he’s vowed to give $10,000 to the Cookies for Kids Cancer.