The men and women of The Valerie Fund help raise the money that support the seven Children's Centers in hospitals across New Jersey, New York City, and metro Philadelphia. Our staff is responsible for working with donors and partners at all levels to fund the services of The Valerie Fund. Get better acquainted with some of the people you may already know and meet some of the new faces behind The Valerie Fund.
Topics: Non-profit, philanthropy, fundraising, 2020, #BecauseofValerie, Meet the Staff
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
On Wednesday, April 12, 2017, Morgan Stanley's annual Valerie Fund campaign to support Camp Happy Times kicked off at the firm's office in New York City. Former Valerie Fund patient, Sierra Spriggs, a three-time cancer survivor and Camp Happy Times veteran, shared her journey from her first diagnosis at age five until now. Sierra will graduate from Colombia University with her Masters in Social work this May.
Topics: Blood Disorders, Charity, camp happy times, childhood cancer, awareness, philanthropy, events, community events, new jersey, 40 years, fundraising, nonprofit
When Valerie’s family and friends sought to honor her memory 40 years ago, most were new to the world of philanthropy and unlikely fully aware of the challenges of raising money.
Since the first Valerie Fund Children’s Center opened at Summit’s Overlook Medical Center in 1976, the extraordinary growth of The Valerie Fund has been rooted in founders Sue and Ed Goldstein’s own heartbreaking experiences and their desire to provide compassionate care close to home. This year we will celebrate the generosity, willingness to give back and tireless efforts of so many.
While there is so much more to do, we can reflect on the 40th Anniversary of the founding of The Valerie Fund and be proud of the fact that thousands of critically ill children and their families were not alone as they navigated the many challenges faced following a devastating diagnosis of cancer or a blood disorder.
We can appreciate the integration of top-notch medical care with a growing range of customized therapeutic services offered by social workers, child life specialists, educational liaisons, psychologists and specialists in integrative medicine and palliative care. We can acknowledge that while rarely covered by health insurance, these social services play a vital role in addressing quality of life issues during the treatment and healing process.
Topics: Non-profit, Blood Disorders, cancer, childhood cancer, philanthropy, 40 years