--- title: A Taste of Giving description: On February 27th, friends and supporters of The Valerie Fund came together at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City's Columbus Circle. They came to get a deeper understanding of what The Valerie Fund provides to its families as well as to pledge their support for the coming year. Let's take a look at the 9th Annual Taste of Giving and enjoy a gallery of photos from the evening.  image: https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/20200227_VF_B70I2334-lpr-1.jpg --- [![The Valerie Fund](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/img-logo.png?width=138&height=230&name=img-logo.png "The Valerie Fund")](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/) - [About Us](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/) - [**About Us**](http://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/) - [Mission](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/) - [History](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/our-history/) - [Impact](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/impact/) - [Leadership](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/board/) - [Junior Board](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/our-sponsors/) - [Our Sponsors](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/financials/) - [Financials](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/financials/) - [News](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/news/) - [Blogs](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/) - [Videos](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/videos/) - [Online Newsletters](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/newsletters/) - [Contact Us](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/contacts/) - [What We Do](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/) - [**What We Do**](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/) - [Our Centers](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/our-centers/) - [Our Programs](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/programs-services/) - [Beyond Our Centers](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/beyond-our-centers/) - [Camp Happy Times](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/camp-happy-times/) - [TVF Scholarship](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/tvf-scholarship/) - [Staff Stories](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/staff-stories/) - [Meet Our Valerie Fund Kids](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/meet-our-kids/) - [You Can Help](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/) - [**You Can Help**](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/) - [Donate](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/donations/hope-and-healing.php) - [Volunteer](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/volunteer/) - [Green Light Initiative](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/green-light-initiative/) - [Events and Campaigns](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/) - [Kids Helping Kids](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/kids-helping-kids/) - [In Lieu of Presents](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/in-lieu-of-presents/) - [Gift Shop](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/store/) - [Events & Campaigns](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/) - [**All Events & Campaigns**](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/) - [Signature Events](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/signature-events/) - [Community Events](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/community-events/) - [Campaigns](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/campaigns/) - [Past Events](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/past-events/) - [Get Inspired](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/events-campaigns/get-inspired/) - [For Patients & Families](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/) - [**For Patients and Families**](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/) - [Our Centers](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/our-centers/) - [Our Programs](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/programs-services/) - [Beyond Our Centers](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/beyond-our-centers/) - [Camp Happy Times](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/camp-happy-times/) - [TVF Scholarship](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/tvf-scholarship/) - [Other Scholarships](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/tvf-scholarship/other-scholarships/) - [Flashes of Hope](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/flashes-of-hope/) - [Mom2Mom Hotline](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/mom2mom/) - [News](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/news/) - [Contact](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/contacts/) - [Volunteer](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/volunteer/) ### When Valerie Goldstein lost her battle to cancer at the age of 9, her parents Ed and Sue vowed to help families in similar situations gain easier access to more customized care. [All About the Fund](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/about/) ![](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/valerie.png) ![valerie.png](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/valerie.png?width=368&name=valerie.png "valerie.png") ### The Valerie Fund supports comprehensive health care services focusing on psychosocial programs for children with cancer and blood disorders close to home. [About What We Do](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/) ![](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.00.58%20AM.png) ![Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 11.00.58 AM.png](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.00.58%20AM.png?width=371&name=Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.00.58%20AM.png "Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 11.00.58 AM.png") ### Your participation, time or financial gift ensures that children get everything they need to receive the most effective treatment. [Ways to Help](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/youcanhelp/) ![](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.02.22%20AM.png) ![Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 11.02.22 AM.png](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TheValerieFund_November2017/Images/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.02.22%20AM.png?width=370&name=Screen%20Shot%202017-09-05%20at%2011.02.22%20AM.png "Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 11.02.22 AM.png") ### Our Annual Walk Event Donate or Join a Team [Visit the Walk](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/walk) ### Our unique blend of medical care and emotional counseling gives patients and their families the supportive environment they need during treatment and beyond. [Learn More](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/for-patients-and-families/) ### Our Centers - [Children's Hospital of Phila/Voorhees](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/childrens-hospital-philavoorhees) - [Columbia University Medical Center](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/columbia-university-medical-center) - [Monmouth Medical Center](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/monmouth-medical-center) - [Morristown Medical Center](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/morristown-medical-center) - [Newark Beth Israel Medical Center](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/newark-beth-israel-medical-center) - [Overlook Medical Center](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/overlook-medical-center) - [St. Joseph's Children Hospital](https://www.thevaleriefund.org/st.-josephs-children-hospital) ## Supporting children with cancer and blood disorders since 1976 [![Donate](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1822020/f5fd0642-8c84-439d-b936-77fbecbe7166.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1822020/f5fd0642-8c84-439d-b936-77fbecbe7166) # The Valerie Fund Blog   # A Taste of Giving Posted by [The Valerie Fund](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/author/the-valerie-fund) on 3/16/20 3:57 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)   ![20200227_VF_B70I2920-lpr](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/20200227_VF_B70I2920-lpr.jpg?width=300&name=20200227_VF_B70I2920-lpr.jpg)On February 27th, friends and supporters of The Valerie Fund came together at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City's Columbus Circle. They came to get a deeper understanding of what The Valerie Fund provides to its families as well as to pledge their support for the coming year. Let's take a look at the 9th Annual Taste of Giving and enjoy a gallery of photos from the evening.  ![20200227_VF_B70I2475-lpr](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/20200227_VF_B70I2475-lpr.jpg?width=600&name=20200227_VF_B70I2475-lpr.jpg) The night was emcee'd by two of The Valerie Fund's all-stars, Sylvia, a junior in high school, and Will, a TVF Scholarship recipient who is about to complete a Master's degree in Finance from Bentley University in Massachusetts. Sylvia and Will introduced fifteen patient ambassadors to the assembled crowd, the ambassadors ranging in age from seven to twenty-seven - from 2nd grade all the way up to 4th year medical school!   ![20200227_VF_B70I2334-lpr](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/20200227_VF_B70I2334-lpr.jpg?width=600&name=20200227_VF_B70I2334-lpr.jpg) As the nearly 300 guests met with and spoke with the ambassadors throughout the evening, the kids credited their Valerie Fund Centers with making their treatment experiences less scary for them and their families. Many spoke about the friends they'd made at Camp Happy Times as well.   ![20200227_VF_B70I2610-lpr](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/20200227_VF_B70I2610-lpr.jpg?width=600&name=20200227_VF_B70I2610-lpr.jpg) As a special bonus, Owen spoke to the crowd via a VGo from home (a VGo is a special device that allows kids in treatment to attend school virtually to maintain friendships and education). Owen promised the guests he'd be with them in person for next year's event! Sharon Weintraub, who started the event with her husband Josh, introduced the five scholarship recipients present, including two former Valerie Fund Scholarship recipients. - Sierra Spriggs, now a licensed social worker who credits her first social worker as inspiring her to go into the field - Shelby Caban, who is now Physician’s Assistant - Richie Suarez will complete medical school this Spring - Joyce Tumfour has just begun medical school - Chris Lamberto will graduate this year with a finance degree   ![20200227_VF_BA8A7349-lpr](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/20200227_VF_BA8A7349-lpr.jpg?width=600&name=20200227_VF_BA8A7349-lpr.jpg) TVF patient and advocate Grace (you may remember her from Grace's House), was also on hand to introduce a new video. You can see the video below and learn how The Valerie Fund plays a part in the lives of children like Colin and Victoria.    The final part of the night was an appearance by comedian and auctioneer Michael Kosta of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Michael had guests bidding on months of Valerie Fund services, named scholarships, and even camperships so our kids can enjoy Camp Happy Times.    ![20200227_VF_B70I2873-lpr](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/20200227_VF_B70I2873-lpr.jpg?width=600&name=20200227_VF_B70I2873-lpr.jpg) All in all, the evening was an unequivocal success. Aside from spotlighting some of our tremendous kids and making them the center of attention, the night raised $965,000 to support our kids and families.  You can check out the full gallery of photos from the night by [clicking here](https://photos.app.goo.gl/oh2vifZ1Q9fW6Lpy7). Topics: [events](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/events), [2020](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/2020), [#BecauseofValerie](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/becauseofvalerie), [taste of giving](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/taste-of-giving) ## The Power of Giving ### Learn more about the ways you can help.  ### Join in the fight against childhood cancer and blood disorders: donate, participate in an event, or volunteer your time. Our philosophy is that to truly heal the children whose care we are entrusted, we must treat them emotionally, socially, and developmentally, as well as medically.   ### Subscribe to Blog Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Blood Disorders (47)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/blood-disorders) - [fundraising (45)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/fundraising) - [childhood cancer (37)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/childhood-cancer) - [patients (37)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/patients) - [Pediatric Cancer (35)](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/pediatric-cancer) - 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All Rights Reserved. | We are a 501(c)(3) charity ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "The Valerie Fund", "url" : "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/author/the-valerie-fund" }, "dateModified" : "2020-03-16T19:57:39.711Z", "datePublished" : "2020-03-16T19:57:39.000Z", "headline" : "A Taste of Giving", "image" : [ "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/20200227_VF_B70I2334-lpr-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/a-taste-of-giving", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/Valerie%20Fund%20Logo_HEX%20and%20RGB-2.png" }, "name" : "The Valerie Fund" } } ```