SiRa Dentistry's Third Annual Pet Halloween Costume Contest, held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 456 Main Street in Spotswood, New Jersey, raised $492 for the Spotswood Fire Department, the practice announced. The event attracted 28 families and approximately 66 guests despite a gloomy weather forecast, according to the press release.
Guests contributed $246 through donations and raffles, and SiRa Dentistry matched that amount dollar for dollar, bringing the total gift to $492. The event featured a red carpet for pets and their owners, a DJ performing from a covered stage, a photo booth, petting zoo, bounce house, food truck, and local vendor raffles. A fire truck and members of local police were on site, giving children and families a chance to meet the people who protect the community.
"We had a gloomy forecast and a few last-minute changes, and this community came out anyway," said Dr. Peter Mikhail of SiRa Dentistry in Spotswood, NJ. "The Spotswood Fire Department keeps us safe every single day. Seeing families, pets and neighbors come together to say thank you was exactly what we hoped for. We're proud to give back to the people who always show up for us."
The fundraiser highlights the role local businesses can play in supporting essential services. Fire departments often rely on community fundraising for equipment and operational needs, and a matching gift structure like SiRa Dentistry's can double the impact of individual contributions. For Spotswood residents, the event provided both a family-friendly activity and a direct way to thank first responders.
SiRa Dentistry, opened in late 2023 by Peter Mikhail, DMD, and Michael Massoud, DMD, is a family-owned practice offering preventative, restorative and cosmetic care, same-day visits, extended hours, an in-house membership plan and state-of-the-art technology. The practice plans to continue the pet costume contest tradition next year. Those interested in learning more about the practice can visit www.siradentistrynj.com.
The event's success despite unfavorable weather suggests that community-focused initiatives by small businesses can generate meaningful local engagement and financial support for public safety organizations. For other businesses considering similar efforts, the dollar-for-dollar matching model may offer a replicable framework for maximizing charitable impact while building community goodwill.
