Inaugural V Foundation for Cancer Research Austin Epicurean Raises Over $1.7 Million for Game-Changing Cancer Research

“This special event brought together a community of passionate supporters who believe in the V Foundation’s mission that cancer research is the way forward,” said Carl Liebert, V Foundation Board Member and Committee Chair of Austin Epicurean. “Austin is acclaimed for its exceptional food, wine, music and art scene, and guests experienced every one of those highlights this weekend, all while raising funds for critical research advancements.”

Highlights of Austin Epicurean included:

• Vintner Showcase Reception on The Lawn at the Four Seasons Hotel, which featured exquisite bites from local chefs, paired with an array of premium selections from Texas and Northern California vintners, including: Eleven Eleven, Mascarin Wines, John Anthony Vineyards, Stressed Vineyards and Blackbird Vineyards.
• Sunrise Full Body Flow with Live Well Lead Well, a low-impact movement class designed to restore and recharge.
• Conversations for a Cure where V Foundation-funded scientists shared their professional backgrounds, current cancer research projects, and the real-world impact for patients and families.
• Epicurean Experiences including a Chef Demonstration and Lunch with renowned Chef Kevin Taylor at ATX Cocina, one of Austin’s most celebrated modern Mexican restaurants, and an Artist Lunch with Austin-based artist Sara Carter set within her stunning mid-century modern home and studio.
• The Gala & Auction, co-hosted by Britt Moreno, Emmy Award-winning news anchor and broadcaster, and Jamie Valvano, professional speaker, cancer thriver and daughter of V Foundation founder Jim Valvano. The evening featured a selection of gourmet dishes expertly paired with wines from John Anthony Vineyards, as well as a lively auction with luxury packages, all benefiting lifesaving cancer research through the V Foundation. Guests celebrated at the After Party with entertainment by country music musician Coffey Anderson.

The live auction’s top lots included: a Knights Templar Estate Escape to Bella España in Sierra de Gata, Spain, a “Choose Your Own Adventure” with Exclusive Resorts in either Las Cabos or Deer Valley Utah, and a luxury F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix experience with John Anthony Vineyards.

A highlight of the evening was a special “Spur of the Moment” auction package provided by RC Buford, CEO of Spurs Sports and Entertainment, with a luxury experience in San Antonio, including premium seats to a Spurs game. The excitement continued through the Fund-a-Need paddle raise with enormous generosity from the crowd, and in total, the event raised over $1.7 million.

To date, the V Foundation has awarded over $458 million in grants to 1,423 of the best and brightest research teams across North America. The V Foundation has made a proven, positive impact on the cancer research landscape, with over $30 million in grants awarded to exceptional researchers in Texas.

The inaugural V Foundation for Cancer Research Austin Epicurean was proudly sponsored by John Anthony Vineyards and Dalya Sachs & Ben Bentzin.

The 2nd Annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Austin Epicurean is set for November 2026. For more information, please visit v.org/austinepic.

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(Images and video available upon request)

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, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded over $458 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs.  The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research Austin Epicurean

Everything is bigger in Texas and that goes for funding cancer research, too! The V Foundation for Cancer Research Austin Epicurean is a signature event that unites a passionate community committed to supporting the best of the best in cancer research to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives.

Media Contact:
Alex Paterson
V Foundation for Cancer Research
[email protected]