Edwin Goldstein, 1951
Co-founder of the Valerie Fund for children with cancer.
After graduation from Weequahic, Ed attended Seton Hall University and Rutgers-Newark where he received his B.S. in Economics and Marketing in 1957. He returned to Seton Hall in 1959 where he completed the graduate program in business administration.
Ed served in the United States Army in Korea. He was Honorably Discharged in 1955 after serving with distinction.
Ed worked in a number of businesses from 1957 up through 2007. He began his business career doing marketing and research analysis work. Eventually, he established a number of companies that centered on the home building business and manufacturing. In 2007, after selling his business interests, he still remained active as a consultant.
He has always been involved in a number of charitable activities. In 1971, he became general chairman of the United Jewish Appeal of Western Union County. Ed was instrumental in establishing the MOM2MOM program, a 24/7 Helpline for Special Needs Mothers, and Vets4Warriors Helpline for veterans who are suicidal, both at Rutgers University. Ed also worked with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, advising them on cost-cutting measures and serving on the University President’s Advisory Committee.
In 1976, Ed, along with his wife, Sue, started the Valerie Fund, in memory of their daughter, Valerie. The Valerie Fund is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization that provides financial support for the comprehensive healthcare of children with cancer and blood disorders. Today, the Valerie Fund sponsors seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers in hospitals in NY and NJ, and they operate Camp Happy Times, a free overnight camp for children with cancer. He still serves as a member of the Valerie Fund Board and Board of Advisors.
In 2004, Ed and Sue renovated and redesigned the ICU Waiting room at Overlook Hospital, in Summit NJ. The room is now called the Stacy Goldstein ICU Room, in memory of another daughter. Ed and Sue sponsored an educational conference on Breast Cancer Awareness in, and in 2009 they dedicated the Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ.
Ed has been a recipient of numerous awards as a result of his advocacy work. In 2016, he was elected to the New Jersey Hall of Fame. He was awarded the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis National Jefferson Award for Public Service, the NJ Monthly “Seeds of Hope” Award, the NJ Governor Jefferson Award for Public Service and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ Medal for Distinguished Leadership.
Ed has also served on a number of other Boards including Temple Sholom, and the Jewish Federation, both in Plainfield, NJ.