The Valerie Fund Blog

Although we were physically unable to be together during the 29^th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala on November 20, 2020, the virtual platform checked all the boxes that have made this event one of The Valerie Fund’s premier fundraisers.

Topics: caregivers, fundraising, ambassadors, thanksgiving ball gala

The 29th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala is coming up on November 20th and we can't wait. Each year, The Valerie Fund chooses a group of ambassadors to represent the wide array of patients receiving treatment at one of our seven Valerie Fund Children's Centers. These ambassadors tell their stories of courage and perseverance to the attendees of the Thanksgiving Ball Gala.

Join us as we take a look at the second group of ambassadors who will be showcasing what being a Valerie Fund kid is all about.

Topics: ambassadors, patients, thanksgiving ball gala

The 29th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala is coming up on November 20th and we can't wait. Each year, The Valerie Fund chooses a group of ambassadors to represent the wide array of patients receiving treatment at one of our seven Valerie Fund Children's Centers. These ambassadors tell their stories of courage and perseverance to the attendees of the Thanksgiving Ball Gala.

Join us as we take a look at the first group of ambassadors who will be showcasing what being a Valerie Fund kid is all about.

Topics: ambassadors, patients, thanksgiving ball gala

On November 22nd, The Valerie Fund hosted it's 28th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ. This event is our largest fundraiser of the year and is a time to come together and support the children of The Valerie Fund for the following year. We have a collection of some of our favorite photos from the night for you to enjoy.

Topics: ambassadors, The Grove, thanksgiving ball gala

The 28th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala is coming up on November 22nd and we can't wait. The most special part of the lead-up to the event is getting to know this year's Valerie Fund Ambassadors, hearing their stories, and seeing how they have created success out of difficulty. 

 

Join us as we take a look at the third group of ambassadors who will be showcasing what being a Valerie Fund kid is all about.

Topics: ambassadors, thanksgiving ball gala

The 28th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala is coming up on November 22nd and we can't wait. The most special part of the lead-up to the event is getting to know this year's Valerie Fund Ambassadors, hearing their stories, and seeing how they have created success out of difficulty. 

 

Join us as we take a look at the second group of ambassadors who will be showcasing what being a Valerie Fund kid is all about.

Topics: ambassadors, thanksgiving ball gala

The 28th Annual Thanksgiving Ball Gala is coming up on November 22nd and we can't wait. The most special part of the lead-up to the event is getting to know this year's Valerie Fund Ambassadors, hearing their stories, and seeing how they have created success out of difficulty. 

 

Join us as we take a look at the first group of ambassadors who will be showcasing what being a Valerie Fund kid is all about.

Topics: ambassadors, thanksgiving ball gala

The Valerie Fund's Thanksgiving Ball Gala has been the highlight of the organization's fall/winter fundraising season and after 26 years, a change in venue set the tone for an all-out effort to dazzle guests. Close to 350 guests came to the beautiful facility, The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ and soon realized they were a part of the most memorable evening to date! Towering autumn centerpieces filled the tables in the massive ballroom. But the room couldn't contain the enthusiasm and generosity of the guests in response to the honoree speeches and interactions with our patient ambassadors.

Before the lineup of speakers took to the podium Valerie Fund patient, Olivia introduced the evening's 15 ambassadors. Ranging in age from six to 19, each current or former Valerie Fund patient spoke a little bit about themselves and mingled with guests in the ballroom.

Pat Tully, the Gala's auctioneer, rallied the crowd during the evening's live auction which featured tickets to see Bruce Springsteen on Broadway plus a signed guitar, and dinner for ten in the private dining room of the esteemed L'Artusi restaurant in New York City. Close to $600,000 was raised --- the second largest fundraising total in the Ball's history! 

Topics: Holiday Giving, Blood Disorders, pediatric, childhood cancer, Founders, philanthropy, events, new jersey, fundraising, nonprofit, ambassadors, advocate, volunteers, give back, patients, The Grove

 Our blog series finishes with excerpts from the last set of 2018 Ambassador's profiles. A total of 16 ambassadors will represent The Valerie Fund at The Thanksgiving Ball Gala this Friday, November 16th. 

 

Topics: Non-profit, Pediatric Cancer, Blood Disorders, Charity, pediatric, childhood cancer, sickle cell, awareness, hematology, oncology, centers, new jersey, fundraising, nonprofit, ambassadors, advocate, patients

In preparation for the Thanksgiving Ball Gala, at The Grove in Cedar Grove, the ambassadors met there a few weeks beforehand for the "Ambassador Orientation." They spent the evening filling out questionnaires, chatting, bonding, eating pizza, and touring the beautiful facility. Many parents of the younger ambassadors also joined the orientation.

An important part of the evening is always the medal ceremony. Each ambassador is awarded a special medal for his/her service to The Valerie Fund to be worn the night of the Gala. The ambassadors also have their picture taken to be featured in the Gala's program along with their handwritten excerpts.

Topics: Non-profit, Pediatric Cancer, Blood Disorders, Charity, pediatric, childhood cancer, sickle cell, awareness, hematology, oncology, centers, new jersey, fundraising, nonprofit, ambassadors, advocate, patients