Valley Children's Healthcare Foundation: August 2024 Philanthropy eNews

In a heartfelt display of generosity, local business leader and philanthropist Mr. Claude Laval recently visited Valley Children's Hospital to meet with the dedicated staff behind the Angel Fund. This vital program extends support to patients' families beyond medical bills, covering expenses such as rent and transportation during their child's treatment.

Claude and Betty Lou Laval generously pledged $1 million to the Angel Fund, setting up the family's gift to match dollar for dollar up to $100,000 annually. This significant contribution has led to the renaming of the program to the Claude and Betty Lou Laval Angel Fund. During his visit, the committee shared stewardship reports detailing the impactful use of the gift, illustrating the profound difference it has made in the lives of many local children and families.

In 2023, the Claude and Betty Lou Laval Angel Fund provided crucial support to over 200 families, distributing $244,000. One notable beneficiary was a 15-year-old pulmonology patient that required daily cooling regulations and respiratory devices to stay safe. The use of this essential medical equipment significantly increased the family’s PG&E expenses during the summer months. The Angel Fund stepped in to alleviate the financial burdens, relieving the family of the stress of receiving shut off notices.

Mr. Laval remarked, "So often, you give money and have no idea where it goes. With this program the funds are distributed quick. If more people knew how great the need is, more would want to give."

The community is deeply grateful for philanthropists like Claude and Betty Lou Laval, whose generosity strengthened an existing program. For those interested in learning more about the Claude and Betty Lou Laval Angel Fund, please contact the Foundation team at 559-353-7100 or email us at foundation@valleychildrens.org.

Valley Children’s is excited about the recent announcement of our new ASN to BSN Pathway Program. Thanks in part to a generous donation from Don and Cheryl Baker, this program presents a unique opportunity for our nurses to further their education, expand their skillset and advance their career right here at Valley Children's, with our direct support and assistance.

Working with our partners at Fresno State, the program is designed to help Valley Children’s nurses with an associates degree earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree by providing financial reimbursement, allocated study time and internal professional guidance.

If you are interested in contributing to the ASN to BSN program or would like to learn more about other educational opportunities for Valley Children's staff, please contact us at 559-353-7100 or check out our Nursing Professional Development Webpage.

Table Mountain Toy Delivery

Bank of America & Merrill Lynch "Care Kits" delivery

Toting toys and brimming with goodwill, the employees of Table Mountain Casino and the local teams at Bank of America and Merrill Lynch have recently brought waves of cheer to Valley Children’s Hospital with their generous toy donations.

In one heartwarming visit, the executive staff from Table Mountain Casino personally delivered brand-new toys, sparking joy for young patients who must spend their summer in the hospital. These delightful gifts create precious moments of happiness during what can otherwise be a daunting time for young patients.

In a separate act of kindness, local employees from Bank of America and Merrill Lynch assembled 200 "care kits" for the hospital's patients. Each enchanting tote bag was filled with coloring books, art supplies, books, and small toys, all designed to whisk the children's minds away from their worries and into a world of creativity and comfort.

Valley Children's Child Life team helps children understand and cope with hospitalization. Focusing on developmental needs of children, Child Life Specialists provide education, play and emotional support for patients and their families. As part of the medical team, Child Life Specialists collaborate with staff within the Hospital to help meet the needs of the hospitalized child.

Valley Children’s Hospital extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful teams at Table Mountain Casino, Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch for their kindness and generosity towards our young patients. Visit the Child Life Amazon page to learn more about the current needs of the department.

We would like to give a very special thank you to the Turlock Pentecost Association for hosting their 4th annual Festa for the Kids Golf Tournament. This year they raised an incredible $67,600 to benefit Valley Children's Pelandale Specialty Care Center in Modesto. This specialty care center in Stanislaus County saw more than 12,000 outpatient visits last year. One of our goals at Valley Children's is to ensure that every child in the Central Valley has quality care close to home, and this event directly impacts that goal for Turlock and its surrounding communities.

Since their first golf tournament in 2021, The Turlock Pentecost Association has raised nearly $200,000 for Valley Children's Pelandale Specialty Care Center. In addition to the tournament, the celebration includes a silent auction, a putting contest, and lots of amazing Portuguese food.

We are so grateful to all of the members, sponsors, donors, vendors, and participants for supporting this wonderful event, and we look forward to next year's tournament. Thank you, Turlock Pentecost Association, for making a difference in the lives of the children we serve.

If you would like to learn more about community events, please contact us at 559-353-7100.

Don’t let your four wheels ruin your next beach day—instead, donate your car, truck, RV, motorcycle or boat to Valley Children’s. We've got you covered with an easy process, free pick-up, and you’ll get those feel-good feelings from giving to a cause you care about. Plus, your donation is tax-deductible! Donate online today or call 844-589-4483, our Vehicle Donation Support team is available seven days a week.

7-Eleven CMN Campaign

June 25 – August 27

Stop by your local 7-Eleven as they campaign for

Valley Children's Hospital

Spirit Halloween Stores

August 30 - October 31

Starting Labor Day weekend, Spirit Halloween will be holding their annual Spirit of Children in-store campaign. Since 2008, Spirit Halloween has helped support our Child Life Program providing our patients and families with education, play and emotional support during their hospitalization. Be sure to stop by and support Valley Children's!

Vallarta CMN Campaign

September 1 - 30

Stop by your local Vallarta Supermarket in the month of September and donate to their CMN Hospitals campaign supporting our patients and their families!

The 26th annual "KISS Country for Kids" Radiothon will be broadcast from the hospital rotunda on Thursday, September 5, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, September 6, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please tune in to 93.7FM during Radiothon to hear inspiring stories of hope from patients and families we serve.

Walgreens CMN Campaign

September 8 - 21

The 26th annual Harvest Ball will be held on September 28 on the Valley Children's Hospital South Lawn. Each year this elegant gala hosts hundreds of our community's most generous philanthropists and celebrates the life-saving mission of Valley Children's.

To view detailed information about this year's Harvest Ball, visit the webpage, or to view sponsorship, table or individual ticket opportunities click the PDF here.

This event is expected to sell out quickly. To secure your table or tickets, please contact foundation@valleychildrens.org or 559-353-7100.