New Jersey Auto Retailers Have Already Raised Nearly $250,000 For The Valerie Fund

MAPLEWOOD, N.J., April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign is a one-of-a-kind partnership between The Valerie Fund and franchised auto retailers to raise money and awareness of The Valerie Fund and highlight the incredible work auto retailers do in communities throughout New Jersey.

"We knew when we partnered with the dealerships throughout New Jersey, that this campaign would be like none other," said Ed Goldstein, co-founder of The Valerie Fund.  "The individuals who run these businesses are among the most committed and generous business owners in the country. I can't thank those who have signed up to participate enough and hope to see many more sign up in the weeks and months ahead."

To date, 129 dealerships have raised nearly $250,000 as part of the New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign and more are signing up nearly every day.  The campaign officially begins on June 1, 2014 and will run through September 30, 2014.

For the most updated list of participating dealerships, please visit the New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign website at http://www.njautoretailersunite.org/dealers/.  Beginning June 1, 2014, consumers who test drive a vehicle at any of the participating dealerships will receive a sweepstakes card (which they will need to register on the campaign's website) for a chance to win one of two new cars that will be given away at a gala celebration to be held September 14, 2014 at the New Jersey Expo Center in Edison.  Anyone who purchases a vehicle at a participating dealership will receive three chances.

Website visitors also have the opportunity to offer their own support by purchasing chances in the sweepstakes or making a donation directly to The Valerie Fund.

At the celebration event on September 14, the campaign will also unveil the "My First Car" coffee table book, featuring New Jersey celebrities, athletes and other public figures reminiscing about their first cars. A portion of every book sale will also be donated to the New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign on behalf of The Valerie Fund.

About The Valerie Fund:

Established in 1976 in memory of Valerie Goldstein, The Valerie Fund's mission is to provide support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders.  Families turn to The Valerie Fund because of the combination of medical care, counseling, and other services it provides.  The Valerie Fund Children's Centers comprise the largest network of healthcare facilities for children with cancer and blood disorders in New Jersey, and one of the largest in the nation.  There are seven Valerie Fund Children's Centers providing caring, comprehensive, state-of-the-art outpatient health care to more than 4,000 children and their families each year.  Patients receive far more than treatment for their physical illnesses.  Our philosophy is that to truly heal the children with whose care we are entrusted, we must treat them emotionally, socially, and developmentally, as well as medically.

About The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers

The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) was founded in 1918 and is a non-profit organization serving more than 520 franchised new car and truck retailers throughout New Jersey. NJ CAR promotes the principals of commercial honor and integrity in the sale and service of motor vehicles. NJ CAR keeps its members informed on a variety of business matters, practices, trends, and legislation. The Coalition also works to ensure all members are educated regarding what is required to achieve regulatory compliance.

SOURCE The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers