A one-of-a-kind NJ partnership to combat cancer

The Valerie Fund and the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers are culminating an unprecedented campaign with a special gala on Sunday, September 14.

The non-profit was established in 1976 by parents Ed and Sue Goldstein after their 9-year-old daughter, Valerie, lost a courageous fight against cancer.

Their mission is to provide support for children with cancer and blood disorders, along with their families.

"The ongoing goal of the Valerie Fund is to go out-of-business and to get all of these kids well. That's what our desire is," Ed Goldstein said.

Each year, the Valerie Fund treats about 5,000 kids at their seven facilities around the area. All told, they handle nearly 30,000 office visits annually.

Some of their services include: medical care, counseling, and education.

Goldstein said they aim to cut down on the traveling distances for families dealing with these situations, while maximizing the impact of the donation dollars.

"We feel for every dollar we collect, it's more we can give to the hospitals," Goldstein said. "So, we are very, very light on office staff."

Over the past few months, roughly 200 car dealerships around the state have participated in the New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign to raise money and awareness for the Valerie Fund.

Five dollars from every new and used car sold is being donated to the Valerie Fund.

The initiative has been supported by marketing to raise both dealership and consumer awareness on these issues.

"It's about the kids and raising money for the Valerie Fund, and what an extraordinary cause it is," said Jim Appleton, president of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailer

He said while dealerships are usually fiercely competitive, they are enjoying the opportunity to support such a worthy cause.

The campaign wraps up on Sunday, September 14, with a celebration event at the NJ Expo Center in Edison, which will feature celebrities, athletes, public figures, along with a contest giving away two cars.

Goldstein said he is hopeful the campaign can raise in the neighborhood of the $1 million for their programs and services.

"There isn't anything that comes up that we don't try to do as to help any child in New Jersey who has cancer," Goldstein said.

Learn more about this initiative by visiting the Valerie Fund online and on Facebook, along with the NJ CAR website.