Children's Medical Fund Raises Funds for Pediatric Mental Health
More than 500 attendees participated in the organization's inaugural fall festival in Syosset to support services at Cohen Children's Medical Center that are often not covered by insurance.
By Giulia Donovan ·
More than 500 children, parents, and community members attended the Children's Medical Fund of New York's first fall festival on Oct. 24 at the BDG grounds in Syosset. The event, titled “A Ghoul's Day Out,” was designed to raise money for pediatric mental health and therapeutic care at Cohen Children's Medical Center.
Families participated in pony rides, a petting zoo, carnival games, seasonal crafts, and an artisan market while eating from local food trucks. A central feature of the day was the “Ghost Giving Wall,” where donors placed personalized ghost stickers on a display to acknowledge their gifts and monthly pledges to young patients.
Sarah Blumenfeld, an event co-chair, stated that the goal was to unite local families while addressing the youth mental health crisis. She noted that every dollar raised remains in the neighborhood to ensure children receiving clinical care also get the emotional and psychological resources necessary for healing.
The funds raised by the organization support services that are typically not covered by standard insurance policies. These services include child life specialists, art and music therapy, and sensory rooms for children dealing with anxiety, depression, and behavioral health emergencies.
Lauren Singer, the other event co-chair, described the turnout as evidence of the community's strength. She credited the success to corporate partners, local artisans, and the dozens of volunteers who assisted with operations during the day.
The festival serves as one component of the organization's year-round fundraising calendar. The group has already scheduled its second annual “Rooted in Resilience” Women's Luncheon and its 52nd annual Golf and Tennis Charity Classic for 2027 at the Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury.
Jeremy Taubes and Adam H. Koblenz, the co-presidents of the Children's Medical Fund of New York, expressed gratitude to the co-chairs and committee members for executing the event. The organization also acknowledged local partners Eddie's Pizza, Brooklyn Sausage & Peppers, Kool Kat Ice Cream, and The Social Wagon for their contributions.
