A Taste of Giving
A BE N E F I T FOR T H E VA L E R I E F UN D K I DS
AND THE FAMILIES WHO LOVE THEM
THURSDAY, THE 24th OF FEBRUARY 2022 | 6:00pm
Celebrity Auctioneer Michael Kosta
from The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
A MESSAGE FROM
TheValerieFund
Dear Friends,
Thank you for being part of the 2022 Taste of Giving.
Eleven years ago Josh and Sharon Weintraub launched this event with
the help of a spectacular group of friends and colleagues as their co-hosts.
The goal was to help us do more for The Valerie Fund kids with cancer
and blood disorders as they went through treatment or learned how to live
with genetic blood disorders like sickle cell disease.
Eleven years and more than $8.6 million dollars later, we have expanded
services and opened a seventh Valerie Fund Center; we are well on our
way to opening our eighth Valerie Fund Center on Long Island in 2022;
have awarded over $400,000 in college and graduate school scholarships
just this year; and will operate our 40th season of Camp Happy Times
this summer.
Our foundational premise is that in addition to top-notch medical care
Valerie Fund children must have teams that consist of psychosocial
professionals who focus on their psychological, emotional, and
developmental well-being. We also ensure that patient families are
supported throughout the patients’ medical journeys.
Thank you for joining us tonight. We hope you come away heartened
to know that you are among like-minded individuals who want for The
Valerie Fund kids what any of us would want for our own. Thank you for
giving generously to support this very important work on behalf of 6,000
children and the families who love them.
Sincerely, Sincerely,
Barry Kirschner Lori Abrams
Executive Director Director of Development
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Program of theEvening
WELCOME
Barry Kirschner, Executive Director, The Valerie Fund
Sharon Weintraub, Board Member, Taste of Giving Co-Host
VALERIE FUND CAREGIVERS
Donna Frasca-Brady, M.S. Ed., Educational Liaison
Maria Graminski, LCSW, Palliative Care Social Worker
Jillian Hinko, CCLS, Child Life Specialist
Shannon Heffernan, MSW, Social Worker
Natalie Nageeb, PsyD, Pediatric Psychologist
Mariella Silva, MS, MHA, LMT, Mind-Body-Spirit Specialist
VALERIE FUND PATIENT STORIES
Anderson, age 5
Tiffany, age 17
PATIENT AMBASSADORS
Anderson Giancarlo Nuala
Carter Gwen Shyann
Collin Kayla Sloane
Connor Liam Tiffany
Dean Maria Zoey
Derek Matt
LIVE AUCTION AND COMEDY
Michael Kosta, Celebrity Auctioneer / Comedian
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TheValerieFund
Forty-six years ago, when survival rates for children with pediatric
cancer hovered below 50 percent, The Valerie Fund was established
in memory of nine-year-old Valerie Goldstein. Valerie was treated in New
York because there was no pediatric cancer care in New Jersey, and so Valerie,
her parents and her sister were often separated when they needed each
other most.
When Valerie lost her battle in 1976, the Goldsteins created The Valerie Fund
so that children in New Jersey could receive treatment close to home. Today,
there are seven Valerie Fund Centers for children with cancer and blood
disorders from New York City to metro Philadelphia. The Valerie Fund covers
the cost of psychosocial services in these centers, which insurance does not, to
minimize the emotional and psychological impact that pain, isolation and the
unknown has on children.
The Valerie Fund also operates Camp Happy Times an overnight camp for
kids with cancer, and awards scholarships for post-secondary education.
Each year, nearly 6,000 children pass through seven Valerie Fund Children’s
Centers. The Valerie Fund helps every child achieve the best possible quality
of life during treatment and beyond.
The Valerie Fund Center locations are:
• Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, New Jersey Section of Hematology/
Oncology, Specialty Care Center
• Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Morristown Medical Center
• New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
• Overlook Medical Center
• The Unterberg Children’s Hospital, Monmouth Medical Center
• St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Medical Center
• Stony Brook Children’s, Stony Brook University (coming in 2022)
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TONIGHT’S
ValerieFund Ambassadors
ANDERSON, AGE 5
Diagnosed at 4, T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Anderson talks about Kelly his child life specialist,
making witches brew with him while he received
chemo. She truly made the clinic so much easier that
on shorter treatment days, he asked to stay longer!
Ann his social worker is absolutely amazing and is
such a calming presence for us as parents. The holistic
services, specifically massages, are Anderson’s favorite.
He takes advantage every time he is at clinic..
~Anderson’s parents
CARTER, 19
Diagnosed at 1 month old, Sickle Cell Disease
All in all, I am beyond blessed and grateful for the
Valerie Fund and my family for putting me in the
position to continue my education in a way I could
never do by supporting myself. Without the Valerie
Fund, I do not know where I would be because
currently Widener University is my whole world and
for good reason.
COLIN, AGE 20
Diagnosed at 14, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
A memory I have from Camp Happy Times is going
down to the dock every morning at the crack of dawn
to go fishing with my friends. The Valerie Fund has
helped me and my family get through some of the
toughest parts of my treatment which helped us so
much. I am currently attending Montclair State as a TV
and Film major looking to go into sports broadcasting
someday.
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WITHOUT OUR
Taste of Giving CoH- osts,
THIS EVENING WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
Alex Benjamin and Sheila Peluso
Daniel Choquette
Matthew DeNichilo and Rachel Cecil
Brendan and Jenifer Garvey
Brad and Jennifer Henis
Daniel and Mary Hoffman
Jeffrey and Katina Mayer
Randy Reiff
Bob Richter
Jonathan and Debbie Sebiri
Marc and Bridget Toscano
Josh and Sharon Weintraub, Event Co-founders
Scott and Rachel Yedid
Ben Zhang
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TONIGHT’S
ValerieFund Ambassadors
CONNOR, AGE 17
Diagnosed at 17, Precursor-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
I was first referred to The Valerie Fund after being seen
by my regular doctor and needing more specific care. I
was fortunate enough to get diagnosed during Covid,
where I could continue school online and not have
to discuss the ongoing treatments of cancer with my
friends and peers. This helped my mental health a ton.
When I’m not being treated at The Valerie Center I am
applying to colleges in Canada!
DEAN, AGE 4
Diagnosed at 3, T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Dean had a very difficult time adjusting to life at the
clinic, he had extreme behavioral outbursts lashing out
at the nurses and being uncooperative through exams.
The child life specialist and psychologist worked
together to develop behavior charts and break cards
for Dean to help him feel more in control. We wouldn’t
have been able to support him in the most positive and
nurturing way without these support systems in place.
~Dean’s parents
DEREK, AGE 11
Diagnosed at age 9, Medulloblastoma
He finished radiation in September 2020 and
chemotherapy on March 6, 2021. He is a champion and
he will continue fighting to be better.
~Derek’s parents
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HOW DOE S T H E VA L E R I E F UN D H E L P K I DS W I T H
Cancer and Blood Disorders?
Your gift is transformed into the emotional, psychological, and
educational support to ease the way for children from diagnosis
through survivorship.
• C hild Life Specialists provide age-appropriate medical preparation and
therapeutic play.
• S ocial Workers help families navigate the days, months, even years
of illness and treatment, provide counseling, and connect families to
additional resources.
• E ducational Liaisons help patients stay connected to their schools,
arrange for home and inpatient instruction, and help their teachers and
peers make the class¬room return easier.
• Psychologists/Neuropsychologists counsel patients and families and
identify learning issues caused by treatment.
• I ntegrative Medicine Practitioners offer massage, acupressure,
aromatherapy, acupuncture, energy work, and reflexology to relieve
symptoms that drugs cannot, even for the youngest patients.
• Palliative Care provides an additional layer of support so patients achieve
quality of life during illness and end of life.
• Late Effects/Survivorship Programs monitor long-term psychosocial and
physical health of our cancer patients.
You are also providing:
• C amp Happy Times for children who have or have had cancer to enjoy a
liberating overnight summer camp experience the kids call a “one week
miracle” where they tell us “everybody is the same.”
• E mergency Funding to ensure families can keep the heat and lights on.
• S cholarships to help patients continue their journey toward a
meaningful future.
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TONIGHT’S
ValerieFund Ambassadors
GIANCARLO, 18
Diagnosed at 14, Medulloblastoma
My experience with The Valerie Fund has come full
circle. I’ve helped lead several fundraising events
throughout Manhattan as a keynote speaker, including
the Taste of Giving, the Junior Board Gala, and an
event at Morgan Stanley’s International Headquarters
in Midtown. I refused to let cancer define my future
and did not let a cancer diagnosis stand in the way of
my goals and aspirations.
GWEN, AGE 16
Diagnosed at 13, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
A memory that I have was when Nadine, a child
life specialist, made me a calendar to keep track of
important dates during my bone marrow transplant.
The calendar brightened up my room and made it
more personal. It became something I used to celebrate
and cross off important milestones. The Valerie Fund
helped my family by navigating a scary time and
making us feel hopeful about the future. Now that I
have finished treatment, I am enjoying all of the things
I missed out on during treatment like cheering, going
to school and hanging out with my friends.
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A TASTE OF GIVING
Services Auction
Tonight’s 100% tax deductible auction items.
Buy one or collect the set!
Underwrite 3 Months at a Valerie Fund Children’s Center $100,000
Fund 3 months of care at a Valerie Fund Center and support
social work, child life, psychology/neuropsychology, educational liaison,
integrative medicine, and all the services that makes a
Valerie Fund Center a warm place for children.
Psychosocial Care for 3-year
Course of Leukemia Treatment $42,000
Fund all psychosocial services (see above) for a typical course
of treatment for a child with ALL, the most common form of childhood
cancer, which are integrated with their medical care.
(YOUR NAME HERE) Scholarship $20,000
Name a scholarship to honor or memorialize a loved one to support a
Valerie Fund patient through college or graduate school for up to four years.
COVID-19 Emergency Fund $10,000
Requests for emergency funds to meet basic needs tripled since the start of
the pandemic. Let’s replenish this fund for 2022!
Scholarships for Patients & Survivors $5,000
Help Valerie Fund kids fulfill their educational aspirations.
Send a Kid to Camp Happy Times $2,000
Send a child to The Valerie Fund’s Camp Happy Times
for kids with cancer. There children have fun, build self-esteem,
and forge lifelong friendships.
Donations at all levels help us deliver care to The Valerie Fund children.
Does your company have a matching gift program?
If so, you may be able to double your impact!
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Morgan Stanley is proud to support
The Valerie
Fund A Taste
of Giving 2022
11 © 2022 Morgan Stanley.
ON BEHALF OF THE 6,000 VALERIE FUND KIDS AND
THE FAMILIES THAT LOVE THEM, WE EXTEND A SPECIAL
Thank You to theFollowing
Individuals and Companies
Bank of America Merrill Lynch/ Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP/
William H. Johnston Jeffrey R. Johnson
Barclays/ Timothy A. Burke Morgan Stanley Fixed Income &
Alex Benjamin and Sheila Peluso* Commodities/ Kevin Carney
BTIG/Alejandro Feely Nomura Securities International/
Daniel Choquette* Louis Rosenfeld
Citi/ Mark Gleason OS National LLC/Jamie Wunder
Dechert LLP/ Ralph R. Mazzeo PriceWaterhouseCoopers, LLP/
Matthew DeNichilo and Daniel K. Sullivan
Rachel Cecil* Radian Group Inc/
Celia Felsher and John Cecil Greg Godderidge
Brendan and Jenifer Garvey* Randy Reiff*
Brad and Jennifer Henis* Bob Richter*
Daniel and Mary Hoffman* Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP/
Jamieson and Hayley Johnson Jason S. Kaplan
J.P. Morgan Securities/ Peter Schancupp
Michael J. Weinstein Jonathan and Debbie Sebiri*
KPMG/Jason B. Kies Marc and Bridget Toscano*
Jeffrey and Andrea Lomasky U.S. Bank/Scott Syracuse
Lowenstein Sandler LLP/ Josh and Sharon Weintraub*
Robert G. Minion Wells Fargo Securities/Robert Blair
Thomas Marano and Erin DiBlasio Scott and Rachel Yedid*
Jeffrey and Katina Mayer* Ben Zhang*
*Co-hosts 12
We salute
The
Valerie
Fund
for providing support for
the comprehensive health
care of children with cancer
and blood disorders.
From your friends and
colleagues at Dechert.
A leading global law firm with
22 offices around the world,
Dechert delivers practical
commercial advice on complex
matters and transactions
with energy, creativity
and efficiency. dechert.com
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The Taste of Giving Scholarships
In 2013, our Taste of Giving guests began a tradition of creating named
scholarships. They have become our most prestigious scholarship awards.
Below is a list of all awards that have been created to date.
Albertelli Family Scholarship Kathy Richter Scholarship*
Arnold A. Leshner Scholarship* Lenni Sue & Andrew Perry
Brody Peak Scholarship* Scholarship
Chin Family Scholarship Linda DeVito Memorial
Choquette-Bertolani Family Scholarship
Scholarship* Margaret Richter Scholarship
Doshi Family Scholarship* Mayer Family Scholarship*
Eichel Family Scholarship* Mia Garvey Scholarship
Faith Cherasia/Walter Bennett Randy Reiff Scholarship*
Scholarship Rebecca Ellen Ford Scholarship
Friends of The Valerie Fund* Rubinstein Family Scholarship
Garvey Family Scholarship* Ryan Garvey Scholarship
GNO Scholarship* Schiller Family Scholarship
Hannah Xue Endowed Valerie Fund Friends Scholarship*
Scholarship* Weintraub Family Scholarship*
Joann Spera Scholarship* Witherell Family Scholarship
Joshua Goldstern Scholarship Yaris Family Scholarship*
Julia L. Weintraub Scholarship* Yedid Family Scholarship*
Justin Garvey Scholarship Zhang Explorer Scholarship*
Kathy Richter Endowed
Scholarship* * Active awards granted for the 2021-22
academic year
Your gift of $20,000 creates a minimum annual scholarship of
$5,000 or more until the entire gift has been awarded.
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OS NATIONAL
PROUDLY SUPPORTS
THE VALERIE FUND
At OS National, we understand the
importance of giving back to the
communities we serve.
That’s why we’re proud to support the Valerie Fund
in their mission to provide individualized care to
children with cancer and blood disorders.
OS National | ww15w.osnational.com
2021-22
Named Scholarships & Recipients
Arnold A. Leshner Scholarship Kathy Richter Scholarships
Kayla Johnson Dominica Colavito
University of Pennsylvania Syracuse University
Brody Peak Scholarship Brianna Gansert
Sylvie Yarad Saint Joseph’s University
University of Pittsburgh Rhea Kochhar
Choquette/Bertolani Family Pennsylvania State University
Scholarship Joseph Kurzeja
Carter Taylor Monmouth University
Widener University Robert Reichenberg
Doshi Family Scholarship Syracuse University
Ava Wiebe Sloane Silverman
Boston College Loyola University Maryland
Eichel Family Scholarship Maria Toledo
Sabrina Santos Montclair State University
Rutgers University Mayer Family Scholarship
Friends of The Valerie Fund Matthew Hall
Scholarship University of Notre Dame
Francisca Kwakye Randy Reiff Scholarship
University of Pennsylvania Jessenia Barranzuela
Garvey Family Scholarship St. Peter’s University
Joshua Lukawski Valerie Fund Friends Scholarship
Cedarville University Gabriella DeFilippo
GNO Scholarships Montclair State University
Isabella Rocco Weintraub Family Scholarships
University of Pennsylvania River Munoz
Joyce Tumfour Berklee College of Music
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Fatima Otarola
Hannah Xue Scholarship Rutgers University
Judi-Dexi Lokko Yaris Family Scholarship
Rutgers New Brunswick Ajay Lalani
School of Arts and Sciences University of Southern California
Joann Spera Scholarship Yedid Family Scholarships
Heather Dugan George Adu-Agyare
College of Nursing University of Pennsylvania
University of Rhode Island Giancarlo Cusimano
Julia L. Weintraub Scholarship Emory University
Emily Woznick Zhang Explorer Scholarship
Montclair State University Dane Hagstrom
School of Nursing Drexel University
Kathy Richter Endowed Scholarship
Ayoola Ogunyimika
Temple University
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Nomura is a
proud sponsor of
The Valerie Fund’s
‘A Taste of Giving’ even
Nomura
Worldwide Plaza
309 West 49th Street
New York, NY 10019
212-667-9000
www.nomura.com
© Nomura Holdings, Inc. 2022. Nomura is the global marketing name for Nomura Holdings, Inc. (Tokyo) and its direct a
worldwide, including Nomura International (Hong Kong) Limited, licensed and regulated by the Hong Kong Securities a
Nomura Securities International, Inc., a member of SIPC and Nomura International plc, authorized by the Prudential Re
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, and a member of the London Sto
not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction nor does it purport to render profes
of electronic services is subject to Nomura’s terms of use. For more information, please go to www.nomura.com.
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nt
and indirect subsidiaries
and Futures Commission,
egulation Authority, and
ock Exchange. This is
ssional advice. Use
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We are proud to sponsor
THE VALERIE
FUND
TASTE OF GIVING EVENT
and its ongoing effort and support to
benefit children battling cancer
www.morganlewis.com
© 2022 Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
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Did YouKnow?
You can maximize tax savings by
donating appreciated stock?
Donating appreciated stocks is an easy way
to maximize your impact with The Valerie Fund,
and maximize your personal savings.
Contact Lori Abrams,
Director of Development, The Valerie Fund
[email protected]
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liimvepsact
Bank of America is proud to support
The Valerie Fund’s A Taste of Giving.
Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. All rights reserv2ed1. GBAM-380-AD 3600735
©2021 Bank of America Corporation.
TONIGHT’S
ValerieFund Ambassadors
KAYLA, 21
Diagnosed at Birth, Sickle Cell Beta Thalassemia
I just want to say that I am extremely grateful for the
opportunities that the Valerie Fund Scholarship has
granted me. My ability to be at Penn, accomplish
my goals, and be an active member of the Penn
community is definitely connected to the help given
from this scholarship.
LIAM, AGE 9
Diagnosed at 2, Neuroblastoma
Liam’s favorite memory from Camp Happy Times
is the welcome dinner his first year of camp. Liam is
enjoying 3rd grade! He loves to read, play video games,
and is obsessed with Harry Potter!
~Liam’s parents
MARIA, AGE 23
Diagnosed at 12, Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
I was more than happy when I was able to meet my
donors from my scholarship and able to meet more
Valerie Fund kids and hear their stories. The Valerie
Fund has helped me with my education. Honestly, I
don’t think I would have been able to study without
their help. I am extremely grateful for that. I’m
currently in remission, I am studying at Montclair State
University and I’m majoring in psychology and hope to
continue my education and get my Master’s Degree in
Art Therapy.
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We proudly support
The Valerie Fund
and its mission to provide
support to children with
cancer and blood disorders
srz.com
The contents of these materials may constitute
attorney advertising under the regulations of
various jurisdictions.
© 2022 Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
TONIGHT’S
ValerieFund Ambassadors
MATT, 22
Diagnosed at 16, Burkitt’s Leukemia
This past summer I interned with Comcast
NBCUniversal in their finance department. I gained
even more experience in the business world and I am
hopeful that this leads to a full-time position after
college. Thank you so much for your support because
none of my accomplishments would have been
possible without you!
NUALA, AGE 5
Diagnosed at age 4, B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
We especially remember Nuala being so proud of
herself when she hit a milestone and how she couldn’t
wait to tell Miss Brie and her nurse, Tracy. Brie, her
child life specialist, always helped Nuala navigate port
access and other difficult tasks. She provided joy, love
and support. Nuala loves to dance. Now that she’s in
maintenance therapy she spends more time dancing
and playing with her sister.
~Nuala’s mom
SHYANN, AGE 7
Diagnosed at 6, Neuroblastoma
Shyann loves to visit Mrs. Shannon her social worker
at The Valerie Fund Center. They have helped me
and Shyann out so much, I can’t express the feeling.
Shyann loves to play with her sister and brother and
eat a lot!
~Shyann’s mom
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Healthy
communities
matter
PwC is proud to support
The Valerie Fund and tonight’s
A Taste of Giving as part of
our commitment to health
and well-being.
TheNewEquation.com
© 2022 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership. All rights reserved.
TONIGHT’S
ValerieFund Ambassadors
SLOANE, AGE 20
Diagnosed at 16, Severe A Plastic Anemia
My doctor Melinda Fritz has impacted me the most,
for sure. She is the smartest woman I have ever met,
and I am so glad to have her in my life. I truly do not
know where I would be without her, as she never gives
up. In a time of confusion and uncertainty she never
gave up on me. I am so thankful for The Valerie Fund,
as they have not only given me lifelong connections,
but they cared about me, my health, and my future.
TIFFANY, AGE 17
Diagnosed at birth, Sickle Cell Disease
The Valerie Fund has supported us through all
the ups and downs of treatment. They have given
emotional, medical and physical support to Tiffany
as well as offered fun distractions and gifts to make it
easier. Tiffany’s treatment continues but she is doing
amazing. She is an anime fan and she enjoys spending
time with friends.
~Tiffany’s mom
ZOEY, AGE 8
Diagnosed at 6, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
One of our recent memories from The Valerie Fund
was Christmas. My daughter was the happiest girl
ever. Thanks to The Valerie Fund she forgot for a little
how hard her treatment had been. Because of Covid,
she still hasn’t recovered in full. We struggled with
some utility bills and The Valerie Fund was there to
support us.
~Zoe’s mom
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Thank You
On behalf of The Valerie Fund children and
the families who love them The Valerie Fund would
like to thank our friends at
CERBERUS CAPITAL
for their continued commitment
over the past eleven years.
Your outpouring of generosity provides more healing
than you will ever know.
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Celebrating an
organization that
makes a difference
Finding a purposeful way to assist one another, turning belief
into action, and working toward shared goals — these are the
driving forces that lift up humanity and make a difference, one
person at a time.
Wells Fargo is a proud sponsor of A Taste of Giving, and
salutes The Valerie Fund for its efforts to support children
with cancer and blood disorders.
Wells Fargo Asset Backed Finance
Robert MacDuff Blair • [email protected]
Ari Kavour • [email protected]
Matthew LoVecchio • [email protected]
Wells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) and Wells Fargo Securities (WFS) are the trade names
used for the corporate banking, capital markets, and investment banking services of Wells Fargo &
Company and its subsidiaries, including but not limited to Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, member of NYSE,
FINRA, NFA, and SIPC, Wells Fargo Prime Services, LLC, member of FINRA, NFA and SIPC, and Wells Fargo
Bank, N.A., member NFA and swap dealer registered with the CFTC and security-based swap dealer
registered with the SEC. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Wells Fargo Prime Services, LLC, are distinct
entities from affiliated banks and thrifts.
© 2022 Wells Fargo & Company. All rights reserved. IHA-6939551
The ValerieFund Fast Facts
• We support 6,000 patients a year.
• From 2020 - 2021, we saw a 20% increase in need for patient
emergency funds which is a 300% increase over 2019.
• The Valerie Fund psychosocial teams include an Educational Liaison,
Child-Life Specialist, Social Worker, Psychologist, Integrative Medicine
practitioner, and more.
• The Valerie Fund Survivorship programs follow patients into adulthood.
• $10,000 supports two months of Child Life Services for patients.
• $5,000 provides 3 weeks of psychological counseling for children and
families at our Centers
• $2,000 sponsors a child for a full week at Camp Happy Times
• $1,000 provides one day of an Educational Liaison in 5 of our Centers.
• $.83 of every gift dollar becomes services for our kids.
• The Valerie Fund is consistently rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator.
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www.thevaleriefund.org
2101 Millburn Avenue
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-761-0422
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