On Saturday, May 8th gather a small group of friends, family, or community members (as conditions safely allow) in the comfort of your home or in your backyard for an unforgettable 2021 Vivienne's Joy Virtual Gala event! Your guests will be inspired by our mission, stories of hope and will be eager to join us in our mission to support grieving families who have lost a child to SUDC.  We have an exciting program planned including a silent and live auction and a special performance by Cloud Cult.  We are also very excited to welcome back our Mistress of Ceremonies, Nora McInerny.  This year's event is FREE to attend and we have some amazing VIP gala boxes available for purchase. 

During the evening’s program, guests will have an opportunity to pledge their support to VJF’s 2021 initiative to sponsor the annual SUDC Family Retreat.  This critical and restorative event is the only-of-its kind for SUDC families from all over the world to come together with others who know their unique grief.  The retreat features opportunities to empower bereaved families with innovative ways to cope with grief as well as opportunities for surviving siblings to connect with one another.  The retreat offers parents and families a weekend of respite and connection culminating with a celebration of all the young lives lost too soon.  Your generous donations help make this event free to all attendees as well as support families with travel and lodging expenses.  Our goal is to make this retreat accessible to all families regardless of financial need. 

MISTRESS OF CEREMONY: Nora McInerny is the best-selling author of the memoirs It’s Ok to Laugh, (Crying is Cool Too) and No Happy Endings as well as the Hot Young Windows Club.  She hosts the award-winning podcast, Terrible, Thanks for Asking, spoke on TED’s mainstage and founded the nonprofit Still Kickin.  Nora is a master storyteller known for her dedication to bringing heart and levity to the difficult and uncomfortable conversations most of us try to avoid.  

SPECIAL GUEST:  Cloud Cult began as Craig Minowa’s solo studio project, and over the course of ten studio albums the band has grown with an evolving lineup of musicians.  Its trajectory was cathartically changed the day he and wife Connie woke up to find that their firstborn, two-year-old son, Kaidin, had died in his sleep.  Cloud Cult’s philosophical lyrics and hybrid orchestral rock sound has brought the band accolades including New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork and NPR.  The band has several albums at the top of the North America college radio charts and has declined major record label deals in favor of staying independent.  Cloud Cult’s industry-leading environmental practices led to Rolling Stone ranking them in the Top 10 greenest bands. We are excited to feature a special recorded performance by Cloud Cult in our event.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING THE GALA PLEASE CONTACT US AT GALA@VIVIENNESJOY.ORG