The Town of Smithtown has launched a uniquely creative community campaign aimed at giving the Animal Shelter’s longest residents a chance at the loving families they’ve waited for years to find. The initiative, called “Home for the Holidays,” blends student leadership, local business partnerships, and grassroots marketing to bring new attention to Blaze and Betty Boop, two affectionate dogs who have spent over six years of their lives inside the shelter.
The concept is as simple as it is powerful: custom-designed drink coasters featuring the dogs’ photos and adoption details are being placed inside popular local restaurants throughout the holiday season. Patrons will encounter the coasters under their beverages at gatherings, holiday parties, and family nights out — creating an unexpected but meaningful moment of connection. Each coaster includes a QR code linking directly to the Shelters adoption form.
The coasters themselves were donated by Rescue Rocks, a local artisan who hand-paints mandalas on stones, ornaments, and other handmade pieces, donating all proceeds to the Smithtown Animal Shelter.
“This unique holiday campaign is a shining example of what makes Smithtown such an extraordinary community,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “It was made possible entirely through the generosity of people and students who donated their time, talent, and creativity to help our most vulnerable four-legged residents. I want to personally thank my staff for always finding new ways to bring the magic of the holiday season to life for all of our residents—including the ones still waiting for a family to call their own. Their dedication, and the kindness of our schools and local businesses, truly embodies the spirit of Smithtown.”
What began as an idea quickly transformed into a town-wide collaboration, thanks in large part to Smithtown’s student volunteers. Under the guidance of Mr. Joe Toth’s Leadership class at Smithtown High School East, students Giuliana Capobia, Grace Bartsch, Ryan Farrel, Bradley Fils-Aime, Gabriella Diconza, Isabella Morlas, Meghan Prevet, Melissa Beach, Patrick Kinahan and Tyler Moleti joined the project, delivering coasters to participating restaurants and documenting their visits. From Smithtown High School West, student Julia Masterocco volunteered independently after seeing the town’s social media post.
Smithtown High School East Principal Paul McNeil played a pivotal role in coordinating student involvement and facilitating the partnership with the town.
The guerrilla marketing campaign is about more than marketing — it’s about giving overlooked animals the visibility they deserve.
“It is so important that we continue to highlight our shelter’s longest residents. Blaze and Betty Boop are sweet, loving dogs who have spent over six years waiting for someone to choose them,” said Town Councilwoman Liza Inzerillo, who is also the liaison to the town’s animal shelter. “Without fresh and creative outreach, they risk living out their days in the shelter — and they deserve so much more… This idea came from the town’s resident marketing genius and public information officer, Nicole Garguilo, whose creativity spans everything from hand-painted rocks and ornaments to digital media. Involving the students turned this into a powerful real-world lesson in guerrilla marketing —one that will serve them well as the leaders of tomorrow. We are deeply grateful to the Smithtown Central School District, our student volunteers and parents, and our incredible shelter team who helped bring this project to life. We encourage everyone to consider opening their home to a deserving four-legged family member this holiday season. You won’t regret the unconditional love they bring.”
Participating restaurants include a wide range of beloved local establishments — Napper Tandy’s, Legends in Kings Park, Mannino’s, Bull Smith Tavern, Stone Goat, Pasta House, Chop Shop, Ciro’s, Del Fuego, Ragazzi, and Akropolis in Nesconset — all of which eagerly agreed to use the coasters throughout the busiest dining weeks of the year. Additional support came from Miller’s Ale House in Lake Grove and Buffalo Wild Wings in Centereach, both of which volunteered to join the effort after Town Supervisor staff member Gina Gentile personally reached out to their management teams. The “Home for the Holidays” campaign was coordinated and logistically executed by Garguilo and Legislative Secretary Jen Luikart.
For the students, the project offered more than an opportunity to help animals in need. It was a firsthand lesson in community engagement, communications strategy, and the impact of guerrilla marketing — an approach that relies on creative, low-cost tactics designed to spark organic connection and conversation.
The campaign’s central goal is unmistakably heartfelt: to help Blaze and Betty Boop, and all the Shelter’s rescues, find a warm, loving home in time for the holidays. But the broader vision is even bigger — creating a model that can be replicated for future long-term shelter residents, while strengthening the bond between Smithtown’s youth, local businesses, and the community’s commitment to compassion.
As diners lift a glass at holiday brunches, dinners, and after-work gatherings, they may find themselves looking into the hopeful eyes of Blaze or Betty Boop. With any luck, one of those coasters will inspire a life-changing moment — not just for the dogs, but for the families who welcome them home.
For adoption information, contact the Smithtown Animal Shelter at 631-360-7575 or visit: townofsmithtownanimalshelter.