As we put a close to the year 2020, I hope you will remember it more than the 'Year of the Pandemic'; I know I will. We truly received more than was taken away from us, both personally and for the foundation.

In January, we started the year off in full force beginning with MLK Day during Teen Cancer Awareness Week. Students and families volunteered together to help us ship over 500 Teen Kits & Bandana Pillows to hospitalized children all over the country!

Then in March, much of our work came to a pause including our annual fundraising initiatives. The Annual Wine & Food Tasting had to be canceled as well as the Annual Victorious 5K & 1-Mile Walk rescheduled to December. However, the biggest challenge we faced, was transitioning our signature Annual Birthday Bash to a virtual event. We were so pleased at its success, raising over $75,000! The ‘Bash in a Box’ was a huge hit, and the magic continued with an outstanding production of Virtual Birthday Bash 2020: PERFECT VISION.

This year as hospital visitations and restrictions became pronounced, and teens had very little and limited interaction with the outside world, supporting critically ill children became so necessary. Victorious 4 Teens programs were able to help maintain a sense of connection to family, friends, and lifestyle, but mostly, give the teens something to do while coping with isolation. By the end of this year, over 1000 teens received Teen Kits, and 43 Alicia’s Art Carts were fully restocked with loads of activities, kits, and projects.

None of this happens without the generous support of our donors, Board of Trustees, and volunteers. Our Annual Sponsors were truly Victorious standing behind us and the new look our events took. We took extra precautions with our volunteers, who still dedicated their talents for continuing our Teen Kit program. For all of you, we are truly grateful.

Personally, what did I receive this year? I received the gift of appreciation, selflessness, patience (so not my virtue), and a more trusting spirit. Having to adapt and survive the lack of face-to-face emotional connections, and simply not being able to hug someone, was a big challenge. Yes, we miss the handshake, but as you know there is nothing like a hug. We look forward to seeing many of you next year, and for those of you that we may not have the opportunity to meet in person, we take pleasure in our new-found virtual connections.

And so, it is with a  strong sense of gratitude that we close this year with a virtual hug, and the warmest wishes for a New Year full of peace, joy, and continued blessings.   

Warmly,

Gisele DiNatale
President & Co-Founder

Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation
http://www.victoriousfoundation.org/

A New Look! 

We are excited to introduce our new Teen Kits for our brave teens! This design includes our new grey bag and a rectangular Bandana Pillow. 

Virtual 5K & 1 Mile Walk 'Your Way'!

The Annual Victorious 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk changed its look this year, with the new Winter "Virtual Candy Cane Dash"! There is still time to register now through December 13th to spread good cheer whether you walk or run to benefit teens battling cancer & other life-threatening illnesses.

Celebrating the 18th Annual Virtual Birthday Bash!

This year, we hosted our first-ever Virtual Birthday Bash on October 30th, 2020. The 18th Annual Birthday Bash 2020: PERFECT VISION featured a brief video, online Silent Auction, Digital Ad/Program Book, and this year's Victorious Champions! 

Missed Our Virtual Event?

Now Open: The Victorious Shop!

Shop 'small' this holiday season while making a 'big' difference for hospitalized children. Visit the Victorious Shop and purchase gifts for you and your loved ones. Items include STRONGER THAN T-Shirt, Victorious bandana, Alicia's Note Cards, and much more!

Spreading Holiday Cheer with Alicia's Art Cart

As we approach the end of the year, ARVF strives to spread the joy of creativity for hospitalized teens during the holiday season. For many of our brave teens, art is a creative outlet throughout the colder months, making the restocking of Alicia's Art Cart a top priority!

With 43 Alicia's Art Carts located in Children's Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers throughout the country, please consider supporting the ongoing restocking of arts, crafts, and supplies.

It is through the kindness of supporters like YOU that our Victorious 4 Teens programs can continue bringing smiles to hospitalized teens nationally - Thank you!

The Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation is a national non-profit organization providing age-appropriate programs and activities for children and teens receiving treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.