Ghoul’s Day Out brings over 500 people to Syosset for pediatric mental health
More than 500 children, parents and community members turned out Saturday, October 24 for “A Ghoul’s Day Out,” the Children’s Medical Fund of New York’s (CMFNY) first fall festival, held on the Blumenfeld Development Group grounds in Syosset.
All proceeds benefit pediatric mental health and therapeutic care at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
The event offered pony rides, a petting zoo, carnival games, seasonal crafts, an artisan market, and a lineup of local food trucks, as well as the “Ghost Giving Wall,” where donors added personalized ghost stickers to mark their gifts and monthly pledges to young patients.
“Our goal was to bring local families together for an unforgettable day while directly addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, the youth mental health crisis,” said Sarah Blumenfeld, event co-chair. “Every dollar raised here stays right in our neighborhood, ensuring that children arriving at Cohen Children’s Medical Center receive not only exceptional clinical care, but also the emotional, psychological, and therapeutic resources they need to heal.”
Funds raised through CMFNY cover services insurance typically does not, including child-life specialists, art and music therapy, and sensory rooms for children facing anxiety, depression, and behavioral health emergencies.
“Seeing over 500 neighbors and friends come together with such generosity underscores the strength and heart of our community,” said Lauren Singer, event co-chair. “From our corporate partners and local artisans to the dozens of volunteers who made this day seamless, our community showed what can happen when we invest directly in the well-being of our children.”
The festival continues this year’s fundraising efforts for CMFNY, with the 2nd Annual “Rooted in Resilience” Women’s Luncheon and the 52nd Annual Golf & Tennis Charity Classic coming to Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury in 2027.
To learn more about the Children’s Medical Fund of New York, visit cmfny.org.
