New Jersey Auto Retailers Have Already Raised Over $500,000 for the Valerie Fund

MAPLEWOOD, N.J., Aug. 20, 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.

To date, 177 dealerships have raised over $500,000 as part of the New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign; almost 2000 have registered for our sweepstakes to win a free car, and more are signing up every day.

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.

Between now and August 30, every time someone test drive a new car at a participating dealership supporters/customers receive one voucher for the car giveaway sweepstakes. If they purchase a vehicle from a participating dealership, they'll receive three additional vouchers. Then to enter the sweepstakes, all they have to do is go to the Sweepstakes website (http://www.njautoretailersunite.org/unite/), create an account and submit their voucher code(s).

On or about August 30, one hundred (100) finalists will be chosen from the entries and two lucky people will win a new vehicle on Sunday, September 14 at the Dancing with the Cars Gala. The Gala will be held at the New Jersey Expo Center at the Raritan Center in Edison, and is sponsored by U.S. Trust and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.   The winners will be able to select the brand of their choice from participating brands with a retail value up to $33,000.

The following brands are scheduled to be represented at the event: Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Nissan, Porsche, RAM, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.

You can also purchase a sweepstakes ticket for only $10 on the website. For a complete list of participating dealers and sweepstakes rules go to http://www.njautoretailersunite.org/unite/. 

While two lucky people will win a car, thousands of others will benefit from the New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign.  More than 4,000 children and their families turn to The Valerie Fund each year because of the unique combination of medical care, counseling, and other services the organization provides.  Founded in 1976, the Valerie Fund now comprises seven Children's Centers for Cancer and Blood Disorders located in major hospitals in New Jersey, New York and the Pennsylvania area. This network means that sick children are able to receive care close to their homes.

"Auto retailers contribute millions of dollars to hundreds of charities every year in virtually every community throughout New Jersey," said James Appleton, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Auto Retailers. "The New Jersey auto retail community has come together like never before to support the thousands of children with cancer and blood disorders and the tremendous care they receive from The Valerie Fund."

Dancing with the Cars isn't just about giving away two new cars or handing over a giant check to The Valerie Fund. "The gala is a celebration of a great group of community minded businesses whose coordinated philanthropy will save children's lives and improve the quality of life for everyone affected by pediatric cancer and life threatening blood disorders," adds Barry Kirschner, Valerie Fund Executive Director.

"I am very excited about this amazing campaign and the event will be a great celebration." Says Bunny Flanders, Director of Marketing and Communications, "The Gala is during National Pediatric Cancer Awareness month which makes it even more special.  Thank you to the NJ auto retail community for your support of this campaign."

From 3:00 PM, when the doors open, until the final car giveaway just before 7:30, there will be great entertainment. World class magician Will Fern will be amazing people up close with his strolling magic. Popular local band Wig Party will be playing great sets all afternoon and dancers will be performing. Your taste buds can reminisce all afternoon and early evening with our upscale "car-hop" fare.  And of course, there is the fun and suspense as to who will "dance" home from the gala in a new car!

You don't have to be an auto dealer, sponsor, or car finalist to come to "Dancing with the Cars". Anyone can purchase a ticket for only $85 by going to thevaleriefund.org and click on "purchase tickets". While you're on line, kick in an additional $10 and give yourself a chance to win a new car.

 All net proceeds go to the Valerie Fund and we promise you'll have a great time!

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.                       

ABOUT U.S. TRUST

For wealthy individuals and families with complex wealth management needs, U.S. Trust offers innovative and customized financial solutions to help meet unique lifestyle, family, business and philanthropic goals. A coordinated team backed by more than 200 years of experience and the resources of one of the world's largest financial institutions works with each client to understand and address their needs. We apply deep wealth management expertise and financial acumen to deliver across a comprehensive range of capabilities, including: Wealth Structuring, Investment Management, Customized Credit and Banking, Legacy and Philanthropy, and Family Office services.

To learn more about U.S. Trust, please visit ustrust.com.

With more than 90 years of service to U.S. auto dealers, Bank of America Merrill Lynch offers expertise and solutions to help businesses run smoothly, year after year.  Our dedicated Dealer Financial Services professionals have walked more floors and gotten under the hoods of more dealerships than most any other bankers in the industry. We offer proven expertise and capabilities to help businesses capitalize on opportunities in the U.S. and beyond. Whether it's floor plan financing or employee benefits, clients have a trusted provider to deliver dependable financial solutions and advice.

SOURCE The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers