Famous Lucy the elephant is still kicking around at the age of 139, but efforts to preserve Margate’s legendary attraction have been thwarted by the coronavirus pandemic.
This Valentine’s Day, the Save Lucy Committee is once again teaming up with Airbnb for an exclusive one-night offer to spend a loving vacation inside the wooden abode, which is the oldest zoomorphic structure in the world.
Last year, the Save Lucy Committee partnered with Airbnb to offer three nights of reservations inside the Jersey Shore icon. The pandemic forced the postponement of the original March dates to September, and in the meantime, fundraising efforts for Lucy have plunged 45%.
Based on the renewed interest in last year’s offer – tens of thousands of people tried to book a night for $138, in honor of Lucy’s age – the Save Lucy committee is returned in 2021 with a much more ambitious fundraising initiative.
The Valentine’s night will cost $6,500, plus taxes and fees, and includes a bottle of Dom Pérignon, flowers and candies, and a personalized dinner for two prepared by celebrity chef Jason Tell. In the morning, the couple will receive a continental breakfast. Per IRS guidelines, $5,000 of the fee will be tax deductible.
Lucy includes a bathroom with shower. On-site security will be provided during the night of February 14. The offer also includes two keepsake Lucy the Elephant coffee mugs and two Lucy the Elephant hoodies.
“This ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to spend the night inside Lucy is one of many fundraisers planned for 2021 to overcome last year’s shortfall and ensure continued efforts to preserve and restore Lucy,” the Save Lucy committee said.
Built in 1881, Lucy the Elephant stands six stories high and typically attracts around 100,000 visitors each year to Margate, about five miles south of Atlantic City. The Elephant offers views of the ocean and the nearby city skyline.
Lucy is the latest elephant structure built on the East Coast by James Lafferty, a Philadelphia-based real estate developer. He built three.
Interested guests can book their Valentine’s Day party at Lucy the Elephant from February 1 at noon.
Lucy will also be open every weekend for tours in January, February and March from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will also be open on President’s Day.
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