On March 16, 2025, we gathered to celebrate a milestone like no other—VHF’s 50th Anniversary! Over 180 of you joined us at the beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for a day filled with celebration, reflection, and connection. It was a powerful reminder of our community’s strength and resilience—and a chance to honor our past while looking ahead to an even brighter future.
The program featured heartfelt stories from longtime community members, an inspiring message from the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) President & CEO Phil Gattone, and a moving moment of silence led by VHF Board Member Don Smith. None of it would have been possible without the incredible efforts of our staff, board, volunteers, and our 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee—thank you for making the day unforgettable. Click here to view the full program.
Set against the backdrop of the gardens, guests enjoyed a fun-filled day with a photo booth, caricature artist, face painter, Hemophilia Federation of America’s (HFA’s) Hemophilia History Boards, and special archives donated by past chapter leaders. The rain and wind arrived early, but so did our amazing community! We even squeezed in a group photo by the VHF Sitting Wall—and while the platform nearly became a floating dock (if you know, you know), the energy was nothing but warm and uplifting.
We also shared some exciting news: Over the next year, VHF will transition to a new name—the Virginia Bleeding Disorders Foundation! This change reflects our growth and continued commitment to serving everyone affected by inherited bleeding disorders.
One of the day’s most meaningful moments was unveiling the VHF Sitting Wall—a peaceful space overlooking the gardens. It features a memorial plaque honoring those we’ve lost and celebrating the many contributions of our community. This beautiful addition will stand as a lasting symbol of our strength, connection, and unity.
Help Us Reach Our $20,000 Goal!
While we’re proud of all we’ve accomplished, there’s more to do—and we need your help. To date we have raised $18,675.22 with another $1000+ in expected matching donations, and with your support, we’re confident we’ll reach our $20,000 goal to fund vital programs and services. Go here to learn more about company matches and pledges to increase your impact!
How You Can Support BDAM and VHF’s 50th Anniversary Season of Giving:
- Make a donation – Every dollar stays local to support YOUR community.
- Join The Hope Society – VHF’s monthly giving program. No amount is too small!
- Shop VHF merchandise – Purchase our exclusive 50th Anniversary merch through Bonfire Funds, with proceeds supporting the creation of VHF’s Sitting Wall.
- Spread awareness – Engage with our social media campaign, share our educational posts, and consider starting your own Facebook Fundraiser to benefit VHF.
When you support and fundraise for VHF you help us to educate, advocate, build community, and empower those impacted by an inherited bleeding disorder. So, join us in helping make a real impact so that our community members can lead long, productive, and healthy lives. For more information contact Kelly Waters at 804-740-8643 or info@vahemophilia.org.
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors:
Champion Sponsors: Takeda and UVA-HTC
Corporate Sponsors: Accredo, Bayer, DrugCo Health, Genentech, Novo Nordisk, Optum, Pfizer
We truly couldn’t do this without you. Here’s to the next 50 years of building community, hope, and strength—together.
