Valerie’s House Raises More Than $600,000 at Inaugural Sunset Soiree

FORT MYERS, FLA., November 26, 2024 – Valerie’s House supporters and guests celebrated the inaugural Sunset Soiree Thursday, November 21, at the new Family is Forever home at 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers.

More than $600,000 was raised during the “Fund a Mission” live auction. Funds will be used to continue Valerie’s House mission of helping children and families grieve the loss of loved ones.

The evening included cocktails, dinner, stories of inspiration from children and families that have been impacted by the deaths of loved ones, as well as an uplifting musical performance by Valerie’s House Kids.

“It was our first time to host a festive event for our donors and supporters at our new home,” said Valerie’s House CEO and Founder Angela Melvin Churchill. “We are so thankful to our many donors and supporters who share our vision of no child grieving alone.”

Victory Lane Chevrolet was the presenting sponsor for the event. Jeff and Jacque Miloff served as the event chairs with Dave and Cheryl Copham serving as honorary chairs.

Valerie’s House has helped more than 5,000 children and their families since its founding in 2016 by Angela Melvin Churchill, whose mother, Valerie, was killed in a car accident in Fort Myers in 1987.

One in seven children in Florida is predicted to lose a parent or sibling before the age of 25, according to the 2022 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.

Valerie’s House currently offers peer support groups and other activities at locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, and Port Charlotte. Valerie’s House is a United Way partner agency and is fully supported by community donations.

About Valerie’s House

Valerie’s House opened its first location in Fort Myers, Florida in January 2016 and has served more than 5,000 children and their families from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry counties. The organization provides a safe, comfortable place for children to share, grieve and heal together following the death of a close family member. Valerie’s House has three Southwest Florida locations: 3551 Valerie’s House Way in Fort Myers, 819 Myrtle Terrace in Naples and 233 East McKenzie Street in Punta Gorda. Valerie’s House also expanded into Northwest Florida in 2021 with a home in downtown Pensacola. For more information, visit www.valerieshouse.org

Photos (identified left to right):

1) Joanne Hayden, Valerie’s House Founder & CEO Angela Melvin Churchill and Tom Hayden

2) Valerie’s House Board Chair Mike McMurray, Doreen Ruane and Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane

3) Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson and Krista Anderson

4) Kalib Koons, Alyssa Copham. Cheryl Copham and Honorary Event Chair Dave Copham

5) Patti Monde Ferario, Presenting Sponsor and Board Member Jaime Layne, Board Vice-Chair Lana Hollier and Greg Hollier

6) Board Treasurer Elisa Bowersox and Butch Bowersox

7) Board Member Aaron White, Pat Giller, Amber White and Tuesday Shannon

8) Elaine Hawkins and Fred Hawkins

9) Tiffany McQuaid, Krista Fogelsong

10) Brent Crawford, Charles Idelson

11) Donna Caruso, Boots Tolles

12) Dr. Mary Yankaskas and Chris Shields

13) Kelly Fayer, Phyllis Fayer

14) Linda Brown and Nancy McGovern