RICHMOND – VHF 50th Anniversary Celebration! A Golden Milestone: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future

A Golden Milestone: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future. Celebrate 50 Years of the Virginia Hemophilia Foundation (VHF) at the beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens! On March 16, 2025, everyone is welcome to join us for this special celebration as we come together to honor 50 years of support, connection, and progress within our bleeding disorders community. Set against the backdrop of Lewis Ginter’s 50 acres of year-round beauty with themed gardens like the Rose Garden and Cherry Tree Walk, a children’s area, and the iconic domed Conservatory, this celebration offers a perfect space for reflection, connection, and inspiration.

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, promote education, and celebrate the achievements of our community. Join YOUR VHF family for a special 50th Anniversary Celebration at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, where we will come together to connect, reflect, and create lasting memories while enjoying great food and the chance to explore exhibit booths from our industry partners. Capture the moment with a caricature artist and photo booth and you do not want to miss our inspiring program, where we will honor 50 years of support, advocacy, and connection, recognizing the impact of those who created and shaped our mission.

At 1:00 PM, take part in a group walk through the gardens for the first look at the new VHF Sitting Wall. Overlooking the gardens and water, this peaceful space will feature an engraved memorial plaque, serving as a tribute to those we have lost, a celebration of the contributions of so many, and a lasting symbol of our community’s strength and unity. Wear your favorite VHF T-shirt/sweatshirt or shop our exclusive 50th Anniversary merchandise—$1 from every sale supports the creation of VHF’s Sitting Wall learn more here. After the event, guests are welcome to continue exploring the gardens. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you!

Program Schedule:
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM: Guest Arrival, Refreshments, Photo Booth, Caricature Artist, and Exhibit Tables
11:15 AM – 11:25 AM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
11:25 AM – 11:35 AM: Greetings and Recognition Ceremony led by Dawn Rotellini, NBDF COO
11:35 AM – 11:40 AM: Moment of Silence led by Don Smith, VHF Board Member
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM: “Honoring Our Past” – Reflections from past leaders and contributors
12:00 PM – 12:10 PM: “Celebrating Our Present” – Keynote by Phil Gattone, NBDF CEO
12:10 PM – 12:25 PM: “Building Our Future” – Closing Remarks
12:25 PM – 1:00 PM: Networking, Refreshments, Entertainment, Exhibit Tables, Walk to Sitting Wall

The event is free to attend, and casual dress is encouraged, but we kindly ask that you register in advance here. If you have any questions contact Kelly Waters at info@vahemophilia.org or 804-740-8643.

Thank you to our current sponsor(s): Accredo, Bayer, DrugCo Health, Genentech, Novo Nordisk, Optum, Pfizer, Takeda, and UVA Hemophilia Treatment Center

VHF Behavior Guidelines: VHF is committed to offering programs that are safe and inclusive for all members of the inherited bleeding disorders community. All participants—including attendees, exhibitors, vendors, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders—are expected to adhere to the VHF Event Behavior Guidelines.