The Valerie Fund's events have been in full swing since the summer. Starting with The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG Physical Therapy 5K Run on June 9th, the organization has hosted three golf outings, a color run, a karaoke media event, and wrapped up with The Valerie Fund 5K Run & Walk, presented by World Subaru at the beginning of October.

A trio of golf outings held during the summer and fall blended camaraderie, sportsmanship and philanthropy, each day ending in an extraordinary fundraising effort for the children of The Valerie Fund.

Matthew P. Klein - June 29th Galloping Hill Golf Course - Kenilworth, NJ

Matthew Klein’s family wanted to honor their son whose life was cut tragically short by celebrating what mattered most to the young man – family, friends and the game of golf. The 2nd Annual Golf Outing was extremely well attended by so many who cared about him. The generosity of sponsors, golfers, dinner attendees and the raffle and auction proceeds raised an incredible $34,000 bringing the two year total to over $70,000. Special thanks to Gold Sponsors: The Columbian Club and the Knights of Columbus both in Springfield, Glenn’s Landscaping, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Woodbridge Builders.

The Matthew P. Klein foundation logo

The American Express Charity Golf Tournament - August 6th Baltusrol Golf Club - Springfield, NJ

Golfers began their day at the American Express Charity Golf Tournament expecting to remember their round at historic Baltusrol, home of the 2005 and 2016 PGA championships. Few, however, could have anticipated the emotional impact Valerie Fund patient Olivia, the evening’s speaker, would have on the attendees. Or the pride they would feel knowing their participation helped raise close to half a million dollars on Olivia’s behalf and on behalf of 6,000 other precious children battling life-threatening diseases. Event Chairman Stephen Squeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Express and a member of The Valerie Fund Board of Trustees was delighted to announce that $464,000 was raised at the Golf Tournament. Once again Brunch sponsor Inserra Shop-Rite Supermarkets and Cocktails and Dinner sponsors Ethel and Joel Sharenow helped to make this an outing to remember.

 Golfers enjoy a beautiful day at Baltusrol Golf Club

The 21st Annual Burger King® Children’s Charities Golf Classic – October 1st Brooklake Country Club - Florham Park, NJ

Members of the BURGER KING ® Franchisee Children’s Charities Committee have supported activities to benefit children in their communities for more than 25 years. This commitment to caring has brought in close to $3,000,000 from the combined revenue of this annual golf outing – more than $91,000 was raised this year – as well as a successful in-store campaign and other initiatives. A second generation of some of the restaurant owners are making their own impact on these important fundraising efforts. It was a great honor to recognize members of The Jethwa Family spanning two generations, for their long term involvement with The Valerie Fund. Valerie Fund patient Olivia spoke again as did several members of the Jethwa family. It is also an honor to extend our heartfelt thanks to long time sponsors Maines Paper & Food Service, Coca-Cola North America® and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group®, Bimbo Bakeries USA and PNC Equipment Finance and Freida and Bob Wallstein and the Metro-NY Franchisee Association.

 Valerie Fund patient, Olivia (left) pictured with the Burger King Golf Committee

2nd Annual KATIE’S COLOR RUN – September 23rd – G. Thomas DiDomenico Park, Bayonne, NJ

The outpouring of support from Katie’s hometown of Bayonne made for another successful event raising over $17,000 and turning participants’ white t-shirts into works of art. Katie was treated at The Valerie Fund for Neuroblastoma and has been in remission for 7 ½ years; the family’s Walk team, Katie’s Krew, has been showing their gratitude by giving back ever since. Proceeds from seven Walk-a-thons and the two Color Runs now totals over $60,000!

 Katie, (right) pictured with her sister, Grace and mom, Jennifer.

CAREoke for the KIDS 13 – October 3rd – Irving Plaza, NY

“Yeah baby, I like it like that” says it all! We like it that this electrifying event fueled by over-the-top karaoke performances has surpassed $2 million in the 13 years that members of New York’s media community have been participating. We like it that Univision included Cardi B’s “I Like It” in their impressive Mash Up and took home the trophy beating out 14 other acts singing their hearts out. More than 700 people came to cheer their colleagues on and dozens of sponsors supported the event bringing the evening’s total revenue to more than $200,000. Special thanks to Platinum Sponsors Pluto TV and Turner and Gold Sponsors Viacom and NBCUniversal. We like it that because of the incredible leadership of Cara Lewis, David Tennenbaum, Jonathon Ciancetta, Lee O’Connor, Mike Graf and Pat Brennan, this high-spirited way of giving back continues to be so entertaining and successful.

Winning team, Univision, holds up their trophy with pure joy

The 5th Annual Valerie Fund 5K & Walk presented by World Subaru – October 7th - Long Branch, NJ 

Five years and $950,000 later, this fundraising effort can best be described as the most quintessential event on The Valerie Fund calendar. With the Atlantic Ocean and wide beaches of Long Branch as a backdrop, everything about The Valerie Fund 5K and Walk presented by World Subaru points to community spirit and the joy of giving back. Joe Wajda, Executive Manager of World Subaru and the leader of the largest fundraising team, #TEAMWORLD, can take credit for this vibe. As can many local businesses who generously supplied refreshments and activities that made for a morning of family fun and postrace satisfaction. In kind donations were courtesy of Brubella, Dean’s Natural Food Market, Delicious Orchards, Dunkin’ Donuts, Jersey Mikes, Jersey Strong, McLoone’s, Roar Organic, Snapology, Sundaes, UPS and Wegmans. Corporate and Business sponsors included Performance Foodservice, First Atlantic Federal Credit Union, RWJBarnabas Health, The Wawa Foundation and Vonage.

Hundreds of runners take off down the boardwalk on a beautiful October morning

 ABOUT THE VALERIE FUND: After their nine-year-old daughter Valerie succumbed to cancer in 1976, Sue and Ed Goldstein were determined that no family should have to travel great distances to receive state-of-the-art medical care. Today, more than 6,000 children with cancer and blood disorders benefit immeasurably by receiving their medical treatment close to home in a child-centered environment. The Valerie Fund ensures they do not have to rely on insurance reimbursements to receive a range of customized therapeutic services that enhance their quality of life. For more information, please visit www.thevaleriefund.org.