MAPLEWOOD, N.J. -

The New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign is a one-of-a-kind partnership between The Valerie Fund and franchised dealerships in the Garden State to raise money and awareness of The Valerie Fund and highlight the charity work these stores do in communities throughout New Jersey.

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 and will run through Sept. 30.

“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.”

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.

Beginning June 1, 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 vehicles that will be given away at a gala celebration to be held Sept. 14 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 Sept. 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.

For the most updated list of participating dealerships, please visit the New Jersey Auto Retailers Unite campaign website at www.njautoretailersunite.org/dealers