V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration Raises $12.3 Million
NAPA VALLEY, CA (August 4, 2025) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research announced its annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration, held July 31 - August 3 in Napa Valley, raised $12.3 million for game-changing cancer research. Now in its 27th year, the Wine Celebration has raised over $180 million to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. This event was proudly presented by John Anthony Family of Wines.
The weekend brought together more than 500 guests to raise funds that go directly to scientists who are advancing cancer breakthroughs. In total, the V Foundation has awarded more than 1,330 grants since its founding, supporting the most cutting-edge cancer research at top cancer centers across North America.
“The Wine Celebration truly highlights the generosity of the V Foundation community and passion for supporting bold ideas and scientists who dig deep into cancer’s most complex challenges,” said Clark Kinlin, Interim CEO of the V Foundation. “The urgent need for research is clear, and the Wine Celebration directly fuels this lifesaving work. 100% of event proceeds will directly benefit cancer research, and we are immensely grateful that this event’s continued success allows us to carry out Jim Valvano’s dream of funding the best-of-the-best every year.”
Highlights of the weekend included:
- Dinner with the Docs, an intimate starlit dinner at Inglenook Winery alongside members of the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).
- President’s & Vintner Grant Honoree Luncheon at Auberge du Soleil, celebrating 2025 Vintner Grant Honorees Craig & Kathryn Hall, Proprietors of Hall Wines, Walt Wines, and Baca Wines.
- Rock the V, a ‘sip and stroll’ experience at the Estate Yountville with 60+ chef and vintner stations with live music by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Maggie Rose.
- Krzyzewski Family Cancer Research Symposium at The Social at Estate Yountville, where guests learned first-hand from V Foundation grantees about advances in cancer research.
- Gala & Auction, hosted at Nickel & Nickel Winery, featuring a multi-course meal prepared by Chef Rebecca Weitzman and a live auction of 26 remarkable lots.
V Foundation Board Member and Duke Men’s Basketball icon Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski hosted the Wine Celebration Gala & Auction for his 18th time, joined on stage by Chris Spatola, ESPN college basketball analyst. The evening included a robust program, with a surprise honor for Jamie Valvano, daughter of V Foundation founder Jim Valvano, as she celebrates 20 years cancer-free. Jamie was recognized with the “Spirit of Jimmy V Award” for her tireless advocacy for cancer research and lifelong commitment to carrying on her father’s legacy. Jamie was joined on stage with fellow Spirit of Jimmy V honorees, George Bodenheimer, retired Executive Chairman, ESPN, Inc. and Harry Rhoads, co-founder, Washington Speakers Bureau.
From the stage, Jamie said, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, not only as a cancer survivor, but as a proud daughter. By establishing the V Foundation over 30 years ago, my dad had not left me alone. He had given me, and countless others, a game plan and a team of people who could step in when he was gone. I took his hand, walked forward and said, ‘Alright Dad, I’m not going to give up’. Thirteen years after my dad was diagnosed, my result was different because of cancer research.”
The live auction’s top lots included a 2026 Wimbledon Experience with a winning bid of $300,000, a surprise lot featuring a seven-day private charter of OMNIA Yacht at $275,000, and a weeklong escape and golf experience for four people at Exclusive Resorts’ The Eden Club Residences at Pittormie Castle St. Andrews, Scotland for $150,000. The excitement continued through the Fund-a-Need paddle raise, a special call for Cancer Prevention and Interception funding, including a generous matching gift from Cindy and Evan Goldberg, Board Chair of the V Foundation. In total, the event raised $12.3 million for lifesaving cancer research.
The 28th Annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration will be held July 30 – August 2, 2026. For more information, please visit v.org/wine.
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About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. The V Foundation has been awarded 13 consecutive 4-star ratings (out of 4) by Charity Navigator, placing it in the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more or donate, visit v.org.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration
Since 1999, the V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration has raised over $180 million for groundbreaking cancer research and related programs. This signature series of events in the stunning Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change. For more information, please visit v.org/wine.
