The 2nd annual 5K run more than doubles proceeds from previous year
Long Branch, N.J. (October 14, 2015) – Rook Coffee is proud to announce that The Second Annual Rook Run on Sunday, October 11 raised over $175,000 to support The Valerie Fund, a non-profit organization that specializes in providing comprehensive healthcare for children with cancer and blood disorders. The fundraising goal set this year for The Rook Run was $150,000. The First Annual Rook Run, on November 8, 2014, raised nearly $70,000 for The Valerie Fund, and saw approximately 1,100 registered runners. This yearʼs event welcomed over 3,000 people to the Great Lawn section of the Long Branch Boardwalk. A grand total of nearly 2,400 participants were registered for The Second Annual Rook Run, more than doubling last yearʼs registrants. "There is no better way to spend an Autumn day, than by helping this immense crowd have so much fun while doing some good for these kids who need every single dollar we've raised," said Joshua Ballard, Director of The Rook Run. The Valerie Fund provides a complete level of care to more than 4,000 children and families affected by cancer and blood disorders each year at their centers, including The Unterberg Childrenʼs Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center. "The incredible outpouring of support from the local Rook Coffee community toward The Valerie Fund kids was extraordinary and so exhilarating," said Barry Kirschner, Executive Director of The Valerie Fund. "We are so proud to have such a great partner in Rook Coffee to help thousands of kids fighting cancer and blood disorders. To know this 5K is helping us fund a brand new palliative care program right in the community at Monmouth is simply incredible!" Businesses supported The Rook Run through monetary sponsorships, donating goods and services as well as attending as vendors. Twenty businesses total attended The Rook Run Marketplace to support The Valerie Fund. In addition to the marketplace, The Rook Run also offered a Kids Zone, which included an inflatable obstacle course, a temporary tattoo station and Strolloʼs Lighthouse Homemade Italian Ice. All registered runners this year received swag bags along with their race packets, and official Rook Run 2015 t-shirts. "Today is a day everyone should feel proud, knowing that we helped kids fighting cancer in our own backyard," said Shawn Kingsley, Co-Founder/Owner of Rook Coffee. "The Rook Family is so thankful for the support and generosity of the people in our community!" Immediately following the run, an awards ceremony took place at the amphitheater stage. Victor Vientos from New York, NY was the first male to cross the finish line (17:14.5), while Chelsea Bollerman from Little Silver, NJ was the first female across.
Jersey Mike’s raises over 1.8 million to support The Valerie Fund
Jersey Mike’s Subs Raises Record-Breaking $25 Million in March for Local Charities Nationwide April 3, 2024 – The Valerie Fund joined forces with 132 Jersey Mike’s Subs in New Jersey and New York for the 14th Annual March “Month of...
read more »
EAT A SUB: BE A VALERIE FUND HERO
Jersey Mike’s Celebrates 14th Annual “Month of Giving” Maplewood, January 30, 2024 – The Valerie Fund is joining forces with over 130 Jersey Mike’s Subs across the entire state of New Jersey for the 14th Annual March “Month...
read more »
Statement from The Valerie Fund on FDA Approval of Sickle Cell Disease Gene Therapies
The Valerie Fund is elated at the announcement of the FDA approval of the new gene therapies for sickle cell disease. We are filled with hope at the impact access to this treatment will have on the lives of...
read more »
The Valerie Fund Walk & JAG-ONE Physical Therapy 5K Run raises money for local children with cancer and blood disorders
Maplewood, N.J., June 27, 2023 - On Saturday, June 10, more than 2,000 supporters united for a one mile walk around the beautiful Verona Park in Essex County, joining to honor and celebrate the courage, bravery, and resilience of...
read more »
Donate $1 at your local Burger King to support The Valerie Fund
Over 100 Burger King restaurants support kids with cancer and blood disorders. Once again this year, Burger King franchise owners in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut are supporting The Valerie Fund with a coupon campaign. This partnership has been...
read more »
The Valerie Fund Walk/5K Presented by Ed and Sue Goldstein and JAG Physical Therapy