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On May 19th The Valerie Fund closed the doors to Grace's House, a designer show house spotlighting multiple designers and raising funds to support children with cancer and blood disorders. Throughout April and May, over 1,800 people toured Grace's House and marveled at the artistry on display. We are happy to announce that Grace's House raised approximately $200,000 for The Valerie Fund and its mission.

Grace's House began as a revitalization project by Dan and Elizabeth Reichard of ER Development and Thomas and George Allen who wanted to restore 950 Hillside Avenue in Plainfield, NJ to its former glory. During this time, Dan's granddaughter, Grace, was diagnosed with a Germ Cell brain tumor and began treatment at Newark Beth Israel Hospital. An integral part of her care was time spent in The Valerie Fund Children's Center at the hospital where Grace and her family were welcomed with open arms.

Overwhelmed by the care and attention that Grace received at The Valerie Fund Children's Center, Dan wanted to give back somehow. Timing was everything as Dan was right in the middle of renovations on 950 Hillside Avenue and the idea of Grace's House was born. A collaboration quickly took shape with Dan and The Valerie Fund committee deciding on using 950 Hillside Avenue as a designer show house.

Tina Squeri was a fundamental part of getting Grace's House up and running as part of the event committee. "It was a truly inspirational experience. One that I will never forget," she said, speaking of her time working to bring Grace's House to life. "Having had the opportunity to work on Grace's House the last several months has been personally rewarding, not only because I had the privilege of working with an amazing team of designers, volunteers, and Valerie Fund staff, but also the excitement of watching the project come to life, all with the common goal of raising funds to benefit the children."

The work of Tina and her fellow committee members paved the way for some of the top designers in the Tri-State area to bring a whole new magic to Grace's House. Twenty-two designers each transformed a space in the house in their own unique style. These designers and many vendors donated their time and efforts to help support Dan and The Valerie Fund in honor of Grace.

Julie Leopold of Leopold Design was one of the designers eager to join in. "Magic happens when creativity and community combine efforts! I feel blessed to have been part of this inspiring fundraiser with a talented group of interior designers who are now among my family and friends. Thank you to The Valerie Fund for the opportunity to design "Grace's Green Garden Sunroom" as a wellness garden to benefit all The Valerie Fund children."

It was not just designers who came together to help put together this one-of-a-kind project. Jane Yaris is the wife of Neil Yaris, The Valerie Fund Chairman of the Board, and she leapt at the chance to get involved with Grace's House. "Being a part of Grace's House has been an extremely rewarding experience from beginning to end," she said. "Watching the incredible transformation of the house and getting to know all of the wonderful, hardworking, dedicated people involved has been something truly special. I loved every minute of it!"

To say that Grace's House was a success is an understatement as it touched so many people in so many ways. The money raised at the house will benefit children battling cancer and blood disorders for years to come and the sense of philanthropy and giving back it inspired will live on in many of those who walked the house's halls.

This accomplishment could not have been done without the dedication and teamwork of so many including the designers, the neighbors on Hillside Avenue, our amazing Valerie Fund volunteers, the Reichards, the Allens, and, of course, Grace herself.