The third annual Valley Pulls for a Cause was held at the Los Banos Fairgrounds last month, raising $60,000 for Valley Children's PICU and Rehabilitation Departments. Rehabilitation counselor Brent Poppen spoke at the event, and other Valley Children's guests included Steve Odom, Director of the PICU. The event included food vendors, a DJ, a photo booth and more, with all vendors giving their time, services and donating their proceeds to the cause.

One of the highlights of the evening was when 15-year-old Mikey Garcia drove his gold '84 custom deluxe Chevy Silverado for the first pull of the event (See video). Mikey is a 15-year-old from Gustine, who was in a terrible all-terrain vehicle accident just last July that resulted in him being airlifted to Valley Children’s Hospital with an open femur fracture, fractured collar bone, collapsed lung, broken wrist, broken ankle, facial fractures, neck fracture, intracranial hematoma and diffuse axonal brain injury. This particular brain injury is often fatal or in most cases leaves a person in a vegetative state.

On August 26, 2022, Mikey’s parents experienced a tremendous sense of relief that they had been waiting for. Mikey woke up from a two-month coma. The staff at Valley Children’s Hospital, especially the PICU and the Rehabilitation Department, didn’t just do their job, they went above and beyond to provide their family with support and encouragement. Mikey has beat all odds and he continues to make daily improvements. Mikey has re-learned to talk, walk, run and even drive! His go-getter spirit and zest for life will continue to allow Mikey to improve. Mikey is pictured above at the check presentation, 5th from the right, with his parents to his right.

The Garcia family has an immense amount of respect and appreciation for the staff at Valley Children’s Hospital, as does the incredible team at Valley Pulls for a Cause. We appreciate all the support our communities provide that allows us to collectively come together and raise money for such a wonderful purpose. Thank you!

We extend a special thanks to the Turlock Pentecost Association (TPA) for hosting their third annual Festa for the Kids golf tournament. This year TPA raised $70,000 for Valley Children’s Hospital - Pelandale Specialty Care Center. We are grateful to TPA’s members, family and friends, golf tournament sponsors, donors, vendors, and participants for supporting this amazing event. 

TPA is proud to continue its traditions of their Portuguese heritage by celebrating their faith and devotion. Through the multiple events they hold throughout the year, TPA is able to extend a helping hand to those in need across various organizations in the community. We recognize them for their passion to help Valley Children's make a difference.

Last month, DC4KIDS Touchdown Challenge members attended a special reception with Derek Carr. During the program, Derek thanked DC4KIDS Touchdown Challenge members for their unwavering support and efforts resulting in $85,000 contributed to Valley Children's during the 2022 football season.

This incredible investment in Valley Children's will continue to help support children's health where they live, learn and play. Derek took time during the meet-and-greet to talk with guests and sign their footballs, jerseys or memorabilia. Derek's wife Heather and their four children also participated in the fun! Held at the beautiful Stockbridge estate, DC4KIDS members and their guests enjoyed music, catered food and great company. After the program portion of the event, Derek held a Q&A session to give guests an opportunity to ask additional questions.

One of our special guests this year was 9-year-old Sophia (first photo above). Sophia is a huge Derek Carr fan and her birthday was the same weekend as our event. Sophia is in her sixth month of recovery after treatment at Valley Children's for Ewing Sarcoma. Watching Sophia and her family meet her hero for her ninth birthday was delightful, a perfect reminder of why we love to support DC4KIDS! For more highlights from this year's reception, as well as more about Derek's thoughts on the Raiders, the Saints, and his recent visit to the Central Valley, check out these segments by ABC30 and the Fresno Bee.

On behalf of Derek and Heather Carr, thank you to all who support DC4KIDS! We also thank the Stockbridge family for generously offering their home for the event.

Valley Children's 9th Annual ABC30 "Futures Worth Fighting For" Telethon is coming up on Thursday, August 10, 2023. For an entire day, ABC30 will be sharing about the services and care Valley Children's provides for the children in our community. You can donate by clicking the link above or by texting “George” to 20222 for a one-time donation of $10. For more information, contact the Foundation at 559-353-7100.

We want to express a special thank you to our generous sponsors for this event.

The 25th annual Harvest Ball will be held on October 7, 2023, on the Valley Children's Hospital South Lawn. This elegant gala hosts hundreds of our community's most generous philanthropists each year, and celebrates the life-saving mission of Valley Children's.

To view detailed information about this year's Harvest Ball, visit the webpage here, or to view sponsorship opportunities click the pdf here.

This event is expected to sell out quickly. To secure your table, please contact: foundation@valleychildrens.org or 559-353-7100.