More than 350 guests, partners and philanthropic leaders gathered throughout the weekend to celebrate and support V Foundation grants awarded to top scientists and groundbreaking cancer research projects nationwide. The event plays a vital role in advancing high-risk, high-reward research that will have a long-lasting impact for patients and families.
The V Foundation has awarded more than $37 million through 102 grants to researchers and institutions across the San Francisco Bay Area, helping fuel discoveries that extend far beyond the region. In total, V Foundation has eclipsed the $500 million milestone across nearly 1,500 game-changing cancer research grants.
“The Wine Celebration is so much more than a beautiful weekend in Napa Valley,” said Brandi Williams Broome, CEO of the V Foundation. “For 28 years and counting, it’s been a driving force behind the V Foundation’s mission and the extraordinary progress we’ve made together. Because of the unwavering generosity of our dedicated supporters, vintner partners, and the entire Napa Valley community, we’ve been able to fund the bold science that gives families more time, more hope, and more answers.”
Highlights of the weekend included:
- Dinner with the Docs, an intimate, starlit dinner at the Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx, with featured speakers from the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).
- Presidents & Vintner Grant Honoree Luncheon at the newly remodeled Robert Mondavi Winery
- Rock the V Party & Concert at The Pavilion at Estate Yountville for an evening celebration featuring 50+acclaimed Napa Valley wineries and culinary partners, alongside live music by Jazz Mafia.
- Krzyzewski Family Cancer Research Symposium at The Social at Estate Yountville, offered attendees an inside look at the latest breakthroughs in cancer research, with V Foundation-funded grantees sharing how the V Foundation’s support is fueling discoveries.
- Gala & Auction, hosted at Nickel & Nickel Winery, featuring a multi-course meal prepared by Chef Josip Martinovic, and a live auction of 25 remarkable lots.
The event was hosted by ESPN College Basketball Analyst and V Foundation Board Member Jay Bilas, including an emotionally resonant program with personal remarks from Bilas, V Foundation CEO Brandi Williams Broome, and 13-year-old cancer thriver Harper Harrell and her mom, nonprofit leader Heather Hindin.
“Harper is alive because of cancer research. She participated in a clinical trial during her treatment, and the trial was so successful it has now been implemented as front-line treatment for her type of cancer,” said Hindin. “It’s incumbent upon all of us to support cancer research because there is so much that wouldn’t be funded without organizations like the V Foundation.”
The live auction featured extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including: Vineyards, Villages, and Vintages at Aqua et Oleum, a private seven-night escape for up to 14 guests at the historic Aqua et Oleum estate in Spain’s Sierra de Gata wine region with a winning bid of $280k; a VIP journey to the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland, complemented by exclusive golf and wine experiences with Vineyard 7 & 8 in Napa Valley at $200k; and a Tuscan exclusive with Williams Selyem by Exclusive Resorts, paired with a private Williams Selyem Winery experience in Sonoma County at $103k. The auction concluded with a generous show of giving during the Fund-A-Need paddle raise, bringing the event total to a remarkable $6.87 million.
The V Foundation Wine Celebration was presented by John Anthony Vineyards.
The 29th Annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration will be held July 29 -31, 2027. 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, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded over $500 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 Wine Celebration
Since 1999, the V Foundation for Cancer Research Wine Celebration has raised over $188 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.
Media Contacts:
Tom Fuller & Monty Sander
Fuller & Sander Communications
[email protected] 707.253.0868
[email protected] 707.253.8503
Rebecca Erquitt
the V Foundation for Cancer Research
[email protected]
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