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.

Valerie’s House families came together for a truly powerful and unforgettable moment—our first official Butterfly Garden planting and butterfly release. This special event was made possible by the Stryker family, who found healing through the Valerie’s House program after losing their beloved child, Logan.