Halo Recognition
Carr Family Recognizes RN Alden Washam Through Halo Program

In 2013, Derek and Heather Carr spent 17 days in our NICU with their newborn son, Dallas. Intestinal complications caused two surgeries in Dallas' first four days, and he ended up being cared for at Valley Children's for a total of 23 days before getting a clean bill of health.
 
Derek and Heather were still students at Fresno State at the time, Derek being the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs. While experts expected Derek to be drafted into the NFL, few could have dreamed that Derek would be so successful in the early stages of his career with the Oakland Raiders. He was named the starter as a rookie and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his second season.
 
Alden Washam is a registered nurse in our NICU. On May 14, the Carrs visited Valley Children's to recognize Alden through the Halo Program for the friendliness and optimism she displayed during the family's most difficult hours with Dallas. 
Costco Wholesale Raises $425,550 in Record-Setting Campaign

Costco Wholesale, a Children's Miracle Network partner, raised an astounding $354,625 for Valley Children's during their miracle balloon cause marketing campaign. This was a 12.58% increase over the previous year's campaign, which takes place annually in May. In addition to the total raised above, Costco gifted $70,925 to Valley Children's Hospital, a 20% corporate match of funds raised that brought this year's campaign total to $425,550. Costco is our largest Children's Miracle Network partner, and this year's campaign was the most successful cause marketing campaign in our organization's history. Our sincere gratitude to Costco's corporate leadership, local store management, and Costco employees who made miracles possible one dollar at a time. 

Miss California Outstanding Teen Contestant Supports Hospital
 

A special thanks to Kailey Ridenour for all of her hard work in the Miss California Outstanding Teen competition. As a contestant, Kailey raised $6,700 for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, receiving the Miracle Maker award for being the highest pageant fundraiser. Kailey's entire family believes in supporting their local children's hospital. Through the family business, Derrel's Mini Storage, over $800,000 has been donated to support Valley Children's. Thank you to Kailey and the entire Ridenour family for their ongoing support. 
 


Qualified Charitable Distributions Are a Win-Win

In December of 2015, Congress permanently extended the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) provision, which lets people over age 70� transfer up to $100,000 from their IRA to charity. QCDs offer advantages over taking a taxable IRA distribution and then contributing the proceeds of that distribution to a charity. That's because taxable IRA distributions are counted in adjusted gross income (AGI).  The QCD reduces the AGI.  Also, importantly, QCDs automatically satisfy all or part of the required minimum distributions (RMDs) for the year when the QCD is made. 
 
For many years, Congress extended the QCD provision one year at a time, frequently waiting until mid- to late- December to do so. Now that the QCD provision is a permanent addition to the tax code, you can plan your IRA-based philanthropic giving any time without waiting until the end of the year.
 
Margaret Corasick, who has worked as a volunteer in the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program at Valley Children's for the past two years, decided to take advantage of the provision to make a gift to support the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Endowment.
 
We are extraordinarily grateful for Margaret's support to Valley Children's as both a volunteer and donor.

Please contact the Foundation at (559) 353-7100 if you are interested in learning more about making a gift to Valley Children's.  
Martin Family Celebrates Valley Children's

Special thanks to the Martin family. The family recently celebrated Gunner's 1st birthday and asked family and friends, in lieu of gifts, to donate to Valley Children's Hospital. In appreciation for the care Gunner received from Valley Children's, the family wanted to give back. In celebration of Gunner they were able to raise over $1,000! Thank you to the family and friends of the Martin family!
Vehicle Donations Help Support Valley Children's Hospital
 
At Valley Children's we are very grateful for supporters like you because we could not accomplish what we do without that support. If you are wondering how you can do more to help Valley Children's and the families we serve, our vehicle donation program can help you make a significant impact in helping us further the goals and mission of our organization.

Our program for vehicle donation is a fast, secure, and an easy way for you to get rid of your older car that is experiencing mechanical troubles or has become non-environmentally friendly.

From towing to the sale of your car, it is all taken care of-- at no cost to you! In addition to taking a problematic vehicle off your hands, you'll also receive a tax receipt for your generous donation. Contact us today at 844-589-GIVE or visit valleychildrens.careasy.org and we'll help you with the process every step of the way.

 All Guilds Picnic
 
The Guilds of Valley Children's presented $1,085,000 to the President and CEO of Valley Children's Healthcare, Todd Suntrapak, and VP Philanthropy and CDO, Rob Saroyan.  This check represents the net funds raised in 2015. The 14 Guilds hold a number of events throughout the Central Valley in support of the mission at Valley Children's that specifically supports a $4 million commitment towards the Willson Heart Center, Child Life and Spiritual Care Endowments. 
 
We are humbled by the generous spirit of the Guilds that enables Valley Children's to provide the best care for our children. Thank you!
Derek Carr Touchdown Challenge

We invite you to consider joining the Derek Carr Touchdown Challenge. The premise is simple for this exclusive club: for every touchdown pass Derek throws in the upcoming 2016-17 season (plus any QB rushing TDs), participants will donate $100 to Valley Children's Healthcare. At the completion of the season, participants make a single donation for the total number of touchdowns scored.
 
In appreciation for participating in the inaugural Touchdown Challenge, club members will receive an autographed photo of Derek and an invitation to attend a special reception with Derek in 2017. Participants will also be acknowledged in a weekly "Touchdown Count" post on the Foundation's Facebook page recognizing Derek's performance in the game as well as our generous Touchdown Challenge club members' names. 

If you are interested in joining Derek for the Touchdown Challenge, or have any questions, please contact the Foundation department at 559.353.7100, or by email at  [email protected].
Save the Date: Harvest Ball 2016 


Mark your calendars now: Harvest Ball 2016 will be held on September 17, 2016 on the back lawn at Valley Children's Hospital. Contact the Foundation department at 559-353-7100 for more information about the purchase of tables and tickets for the gala. We look forward to seeing you at the special 20th anniversary event!
Calendar of Events

Dairy Queen Campaign
June 1 - July 28 

Marriott Campaign
June 1 - August 31
 
 
For future dates, please visit out web calendar. 

559.353.7100 

 Email 

 http://donate.valleychildrens.org/