Cafesjian’s Carousel is named for Gerard L. Cafesjian, who contributed more than $1.2 million to its purchase, restoration and operation. Mr. Cafesjian was an executive with West Publishing Company; he retired and lived in Florida until his death in September 2013.

As a child, he spent summers in Atlantic City and would fall asleep to the music and lights of a nearby carousel. “I believe something special happens on a merry-go-round,” he told a reporter when his initial gift to OFC was announced. “The music, the magic and the movement combine to create a one-of-a-kind experience. When we preserve the carousel we also preserve that joy and hope–that happiness–for the entire community, for years to come.”

Mr. Cafesjian was intensely interested in art; he also contributed to many projects to help rebuild the country of Armenia, from which his parents had immigrated to the U.S.