NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- It’s no Dr. Seuss classic, but a grinch may have spoiled the annual Fantasy of Lights event in New Haven.

Police said thousands of dollars worth of copper electrical wiring was stolen from the display Monday night.

Every year, organizers said, 10,000-plus cars go through Lighthouse Point Park to see the holiday lights.

“It's absolutely beautiful, and it's really neat to see the kids, because the kids are so excited to see the Christmas lights,” said Jack Diluna, of New Haven. “It's a wonderful thing.”

As the 600-plus volunteers put the finishing touches on the display, which is done as an annual fundraiser put on by Easter Seals, of New Haven, someone snuck into the park Monday night, clipped several power cables and took off with the wires, organizers said. That means 10 to 15 percent of the display is dark right now, and Easter Seals is worried the fundraiser could fizzle.

“We do give services to people with disabilities and special needs, and this fundraiser is a large part of that, so we're really going to be impacted by this loss,” said Kevin Smith, of Easter Seals Goodwill Industries, of New Haven.

About 1,200 pounds of 1- to 2-inch copper wire was stolen, organizers said.

Police estimate it could bring $3 a pound at a scrap yard. What makes it even worse, police said, is that the 100-amp line was hot when it was cut.

“It does make you angry,” Smith said. “You realize that people are going through tough times, but we are an agency that gives back, and now someone has taken from us.”

What complicates the matter, organizers said, is the length of cable they need. They said what they need can't be purchased at a local hardware store, so they need to figure out where to buy it.

“It's very specific wire for this purpose, and it’s not going to be at Home Depot,” Smith said. “You have to go to an electrical supply house and then you have to order special for it, so it’s a loss.”

To make a donation or to donate cords, call 203-777-20000, ext. 262.

Organizers said they're hoping someone will either donate new cable or donate enough money to make the repairs. Volunteers from the Electricians Union are already on site, doing their best to make sure the lights will be on this year.

The attraction is still scheduled to open Nov. 22 at Lighthouse Point Park, but as of now, about 68 light displays will likely still be in the dark. The 14th annual display is scheduled to run from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31.