For the past few years, St. Mary’s Healthcare System For Children has hosted a “Monster Mash” Halloween event in the parking lot of their Bayside Hospital.
The event serves a double purpose: it brings joy and fall festivities to the critically ill children who receive care from St. Mary’s and raises funds to keep their services and programs going.
This year, the family-friendly event will return on Sunday, Oct. 27. Starting at 11 a.m., there will be a trunk-or-treat, music, games, a costume contest and raffles. Last year, dozens of families in attendance hand-painted pumpkins and heard the NYPD jazz band perform live.
Educators with the local Alley Pond Environmental Center also brought live reptiles for children to interact with and learn about. Mascots from the New York Mets, New York Islanders and FDNY posed for pictures with families. A costumed Star Wars group also handed out treats from their trunk.
The annual Monster Mash event returned in 2022 after a pandemic hiatus. That year, $25,000 was raised to help St. Mary’s continue providing high-quality care to children with complex and chronic medical issues. Last year, they exceeded that by raising over $30,000.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online. While it is open to the public for free, a $25 donation is suggested.
