2021 New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite Campaign Raises Over $500,000!

MAPLEWOOD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign has raised more than $2.5 million dollars to help the Valerie Fund children through annual campaigns since 2014. More than 200 neighborhood new car and truck dealerships throughout New Jersey have participated in various fundraising initiatives. Their generosity has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of the 6,000 children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other blood disorders The Valerie Fund cares for every year.

The Valerie Fund has supported comprehensive health care services in New Jersey for tens of thousands of critically ill children since 1977. The organization’s 7 Children’s Centers are located throughout the State so patients can receive medical care within one hour of their homes. The Valerie Fund treats the whole patient guided by the philosophy that to truly heal children we must treat their emotional, social, and developmental needs, as well as their medical needs.

“New Jersey’s 500+ franchised dealerships compete for customers every day, but they can also unite behind a worthwhile cause such as The Valerie Fund and the incredible work they do for seriously ill children and their families” said Jim Appleton, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers. “These businesses are leaders in their community, supporting hundreds of charitable organizations and contributing more than $15 million to many worthwhile causes every year.”

“It is especially important to offer support to the hundreds of children with sickle cell disease treated at Valerie Fund Centers," said Judith Schumacher- Tilton, owner of the Schumacher Auto Group. “This is an incurable disease that affects an underserved population and New Jersey’s dealerships came together, across all brands, to support the vital work of The Valerie Fund."

120 dealers have donated over $500,000 in 2021 ALONE!

The 2021 campaign launched in September, coinciding with Pediatric Cancer Awareness and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign recruited actress Rosario Dawson to join the campaign as the celebrity spokesperson and featured her in a public service announcement with the patients. In addition to her many acting credits, Ms. Dawson is a well-respected activist, designer, businesswoman and community volunteer.

“I was truly honored to work with The Valerie Fund and could not be happier that they have reached their goal of raising $500,000,” said Ms. Dawson. “These brave families have to face hardships most of us will never understand. It’s incredible to see them get the love and support they need and deserve.”

The Valerie Fund is committed to fully funding psychosocial services that are not reimbursed by insurance but enable kids with life-threatening diseases to live life to the fullest.

To view a complete list of the 120+ participating dealerships in this year’s New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign, please visit www.thevaleriefund.org/specials/NJAutoDealerUnite/.

For more information about the New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign, The Valerie Fund or the services provided at The Valerie Fund Children’s Centers, please contact Randi Zamkotowicz, Assistant Director of Development for Philanthropy at 973-761-0422 or [e-mail]