“May we always remember every day that we were together,
Remember all the memories we share,
Ready for anything that we could dare.”
Alicia Rose DiNatale
Alicia Rose DiNatale was only a teenager when on the first day of her sophomore year at Eastern Regional High School, she was admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and soon diagnosed with cancer.
For the next 13 months, Alicia was in and out of CHOP undergoing tests, enduring chemotherapy, surgeries and procedures. During that time, she was homeschooled to keep up with her studies, got her driver’s license and even had a part in Eastern’s play, “Into the Woods.” She just wanted to be a normal teenager.
During her time at CHOP, Alicia noticed that there was a room with tiny chairs and cartoon decorations for young kids to color and watch TV during their stay, but no such place for teenagers. Alicia dreamed of a place where kids her age could surf the Internet, watch TV and hang out together. Alicia shared this vision with her parents, Mario and Gisele.
On October 10, 2002, heaven became a happier and much louder place, when Alicia burst through the pearly gates. Some might suggest that she “lost” her battle with cancer. They would be wrong. Alicia was victorious because she touched the lives of so many with her love, compassion and tireless spirit. Every person she met in her short 17 years came away with a gift.
In honor of Alicia’s courage and spirit, in December of 2002, Mario and Gisele founded the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation (ARVF). The mission of the ARVF is to improve the quality of life of hospitalized teens battling serious illness. In 2003, the ARVF opened the first Teen Lounge in Alicia’s memory at CHOP. Sick teens now had a comfortable place to be teens.
For over two decades, the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation has touched the lives of thousands of teens across the country. Since 2002, Victorious 4 Teens (V4T) programs have supported over 70,000 critically ill teens during hospitalization. The Foundation has raised over $2 million and funded 68 Teen Lounges, and/or Teen Spaces, distributed over 14,000 Teen ‘Welcome’ Kits, and provided 49 Alicia’s Art Carts in hospitals across the country.
In honor of Alicia’s October birthday, the ARVF will host its 22nd Annual Birthday “Crush” Birthday Bash and Wine Tasting on October 17 from 6-9pm at the Mansion on Main Street. This annual event will feature wines from around the world, Gourmet Stations, Signature Basket, Silent Auctions, a 50/50 Raffle and more!
Funds raised by this event support ongoing ‘Victorious 4 Teens’ programs for hospitalized children. Your participation helps make the event a success, making a difference for hospitalized kids locally and throughout the country. ARVF sponsors and attendees are supporters who are passionate about the well-being and emotional health of patients diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Over the years, Victorious 4 Teens programs provided services to thousands of children. Your participation goes a long way!
Please consider joining the party as we celebrate Alicia’s spirit and the wonderful work of the ARVF. For more information and to buy tickets/sponsorships, visit victoriousfoundation.org.
I hope to see you there!
**The Gibbsboro Voorhees Athletic Association (GVAA) is hosting a Golf Outing on Friday, Sept. 27 at 11:00am at the Ramblewood Country Club. For more information, contact John Conners at jconners5632@gmail.com or 856-261-8738.
** The Voorhees Business Association (VBA) is hosting a Bowling Fundraiser/Flashback to the 80’s Night on Sept. 27 at 6:00 pm at 30 Strikes, 501 S White Horse Pike, Stratford. For more information, visit voorheesbusinessassociation.org.
** The Voorhees Animal Orphanage (VAO) will hold its 28th Annual Woofstock Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Voorhees Town Center (rain date is Sunday, Sept. 29). It is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Animal Orphanage. For more information, visit theanimalorphanage.org, email info@vaonj.org or call (856) 627-9111.
** The Voorhees Township Public Works, in cooperation with the Camden County Board of Commissioners and Tab Shredding, is hosting a FREE paper shredding event on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9am to noon at the Voorhees Town Center. For more information, call Public Works Department at (856)428-5499.
** The Animal Welfare Association will open its doors and campus for an afternoon of family fun at the Howl-O-Ween Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 1-4pm. Kids and furry friends can enjoy the outdoor activities, rain or shine. Enter the 50/50 cash raffle or participate in costume contests. Admission is free. Register to decorate a trunk at https://give.awanj.org/HowlOWeen-2024 For more information, contact Meggin Olivo at (856)424-2288 x113
** Voorhees Township will once again host its Annual Halloween & Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1-4pm at the Voorhees Town Center. For information, please visit the township website voorheesnj.com, Facebook page, or email ssytnik@voorheesnj.com
** The Camden County Board of Elections needs poll workers for the upcoming election. This year the Board of Elections is hiring employees 16 and over. $300 for the day from 5am-9pm, Tuesday, Nov. 5 (General Election). For more information, call (856) 401-8683
