--- title: Driving Support with NJ Auto Retailers description: When the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) launched a special fundraising initiative in 2014 to support children from our area being treated at The Valerie Fund Children's Centers, they might have predicted it would turn into one of their biggest industry-wide charitable efforts ever, raising over $2 million. After all, the franchised car and truck retailers they serve have long been champions of philanthropy and The Valerie Fund’s mission to support children with cancer and blood disorders resonated with so many. More than 200 dealerships throughout the state embraced the campaign over the years. In the showrooms, salespeople were kind enough to share their enthusiasm with customers who were made aware of the dealerships’ donations following their test drives and vehicle purchases. Some manufacturers also matched those contributions.   image: https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/BLOG%20FB%20Image%20NJCAR.png --- [![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   # Driving Support with NJ Auto Retailers Posted by [The Valerie Fund](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/author/the-valerie-fund) on 7/9/20 9:39 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![NJ CAR](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NJ%20CAR.png?width=312&name=NJ%20CAR.png) When the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) launched a special fundraising initiative in 2014 to support children from our area being treated at The Valerie Fund Children's Centers, they might have predicted it would turn into one of their biggest industry-wide charitable efforts ever, raising over $2 million. After all, the franchised car and truck retailers they serve have long been champions of philanthropy and The Valerie Fund’s mission to support children with cancer and blood disorders resonated with so many. More than 200 dealerships throughout the state embraced the campaign over the years. In the showrooms, salespeople were kind enough to share their enthusiasm with customers who were made aware of the dealerships’ donations following their test drives and vehicle purchases. Some manufacturers also matched those contributions.   ![We Care](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/We%20Care.png?width=600&name=We%20Care.png) > “I am so proud of the auto dealers of New Jersey for coming together across all brands to support the more than 6000 children and families treated at The Valerie Fund each year.” > > - Judy Schumacher, President of Schumacher Chevrolet Group ![Sign for WE CARE](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sign%20for%20WE%20CARE.jpg?width=209&name=Sign%20for%20WE%20CARE.jpg) The Valerie Fund’s partner in this endeavor, NJ CAR was founded in 1918 and is a non-profit organization serving more than 520 franchised new car and truck retailers throughout New Jersey. NJ CAR promotes the principles of commercial honor and integrity in the sale and service of motor vehicles. NJ CAR keeps its members informed on a variety of business matters, practices, trends, and legislation. The Coalition also works to ensure all members are educated regarding what is required to achieve regulatory compliance. > “Automotive retailers are the economic and charitable backbone of cities and towns throughout New Jersey, contributing more than $13 million to social, medical and veterans charities that serve thousands of New Jersey residents. The ***New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite*** campaign is unlike any other charitable effort because it brings together hundreds of businesses to support a common cause close to home.” > > - Jim Appleton, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers. The 2020 New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign is currently going on right now. This campaign comes at a crucial time for The Valerie Fund as many of our families need additional assistance due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Valerie Fund cannot express its appreciation enough for the companies and individuals who have come together to help us support the children and families dealing with cancer and blood disorders.  We would like to extend a special "thank you" to two auto retailers who helped us cross the finish line during a recent matching gift fundraising period. Mercedes-Benz of Newton and Sussex Honda both donated generously to a matching donation from the Platkin Family Foundation and helped raise $20,000 for the children and families of The Valerie Fund.    [![MB Newton](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MB%20Newton.jpg?width=503&name=MB%20Newton.jpg)](https://www.mbofnewton.com/) [![Honda Sussex](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Honda%20Sussex.jpg?width=683&name=Honda%20Sussex.jpg)](https://www.sussexhonda.com/) For more information about the New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign, The Valerie Fund, or the services provided in our Valerie Fund Children’s Centers, please contact Randi Zamkotowicz, Assistant Director of Development for Philanthropy, at 973-761-0422 or randiz@thevaleriefund.org. Topics: [fundraising](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/fundraising), [2020](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/2020), [#BecauseofValerie](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/becauseofvalerie), [NJ Auto Retailers](https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/topic/nj-auto-retailers) ## 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) - 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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" : "2020-07-09T14:48:07.759Z", "datePublished" : "2020-07-09T13:39:49.000Z", "headline" : "Driving Support with NJ Auto Retailers", "image" : [ "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/hubfs/BLOG%20FB%20Image%20NJCAR.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.thevaleriefund.org/driving-support-with-nj-auto-retailers", "@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" } } ```