Valerie’s House Charlotte County Hosts Inaugural Fundraiser to Support Local Grieving Families

Valerie’s House Charlotte County recently hosted its first-ever fundraiser, Cocktails for a Cause: Sunset Soirée, bringing together community members to support grieving children and families. Originally scheduled for November 2023, the event was postponed due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. But when the evening finally arrived, it became a powerful reflection of how far Valerie’s House has come—from its early days of serving families in a church to opening its own home in Punta Gorda—and the bright future ahead.

A Growing Presence in Charlotte County

Valerie’s House began serving grieving families in Charlotte County in 2019, thanks in large part to Tim Buck, who was and remains actively involved in a church in Charlotte County. After hearing about Valerie’s House, Buck reached out to Founder and CEO Angela Melvin to ask if she had plans to bring the program to Charlotte County. Having experienced childhood grief himself, he recognized the need for peer support for grieving kids in the community. With his help, Valerie’s House launched its first peer support group in a local church, laying the foundation for what has since grown into a permanent home for grieving families.

In January 2024, Valerie’s House Charlotte County opened its own home in Punta Gorda, giving children and caregivers a dedicated space to heal together. Cocktails for a Cause: Sunset Soirée wasn’t just about fundraising—it was a celebration of resilience, community, and the impact of Valerie’s House programs on families navigating loss.

A Powerful Story of Strength and Healing

One of the most moving moments of the evening came from Tera, a caregiver raising four children as her own after they lost both of their parents—her own family members. She and two of her girls courageously shared how Valerie’s House has provided them with a safe space to grieve, connect with others, and heal together.

“The kids know they’re not alone,” Tera shared. “Valerie’s House has given them a place where they can talk about their parents, be around others who understand, and know it’s okay to grieve.”

A Community United for Grieving Families

While the total amount raised is still being finalized, what truly stood out was the overwhelming support from the Charlotte County community. Many attendees may not have experienced childhood loss firsthand, but they recognize the importance of ensuring no grieving child feels alone.

As Valerie’s House Charlotte County looks ahead, this support reaffirms the mission of expanding grief programs, reaching more families, and providing a place where children and caregivers can heal together.

Looking Ahead

With a permanent home now established in Punta Gorda and a growing network of support, Valerie’s House Charlotte County is ready to serve even more grieving families in the years to come.

“Charlotte County has always supported us, but last night was a reminder of just how deeply this community cares about making sure no child grieves alone,” said Angela Melvin Churchill, Founder and CEO of Valerie’s House.

To learn more about how to support grieving families in Charlotte County, visit Valerie’s House or get involved today.

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