Turning fear into a fundraiser: Long Islanders use Halloween haunts to help sick children
Beyond the skeletons and cobwebs, there’s a heartwarming purpose behind the fright.
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Every October, front lawns across Long Island come alive with ghosts, ghouls, and glowing pumpkins. But for some local families, the Halloween spirit is about more than just scares — it’s about giving back.
In Westbury, the Dead End Graveyard has become a neighborhood tradition. The elaborate homemade haunt, started 20 years ago by Teresa and David Sawicki, has grown from a small family display into a full-scale Halloween attraction that draws more than a thousand visitors each year.
“I really enjoy it, especially on Halloween,” said David Sawicki. “We probably get a thousand people.”
But beyond the skeletons and cobwebs, there’s a heartwarming purpose behind the fright. Every dollar collected at the Dead End Graveyard goes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which provides free treatment and support for children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
“Almost all the money that goes to St. Jude actually goes to the children who need medical attention,” said Teresa Sawicki. “We’ve always wanted to do something to raise money, and this is the best way to do it.”
Just a few miles away in Plainview, another Long Island resident is also putting his creative energy toward a good cause. Mitchell Mahomar’s haunted house on Ruth Place is a detailed labor of love.
“I literally finished yesterday,” Mahomar said. “It’s pretty much just me. My family helps with the lighting and how things look. We do it all for St. Jude.”
Visitors to the Ruth Place Haunt can expect jump scares, eerie lighting, and plenty of Halloween fun — all while supporting children in need. Both families say the joy of seeing neighbors smile — and knowing their efforts make a difference — keeps them coming back year after year.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dead End Graveyard
📍 2484 Westley Road, Westbury, NY
🕕 Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Ruth Place Haunt
📍 4 Ruth Place, Plainview, NY
🕒 Open daily until Nov. 1, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
