5th Anniversary of the V Foundation for Cancer Research Boo-Yah Raises Over $3.1 Million for Disparities in Cancer Research
New York, NY (Dec. 11, 2025) – The 5th Anniversary of the V Foundation for Cancer Research Boo-Yah Gala & Auction, held December 9-10 in New York City, announced more than $3.1 million raised to address disparities in cancer research. This event funds research grants through the V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund to advance equity in cancer research, outcomes and care. Over $22.1 million has been awarded across 64 grant awards to exceptional scientists since the fund’s establishment in 2015.
“Boo-Yah brings our community together to accelerate funding and shine a light on the unacceptable inequities that still exist in cancer outcomes,” said Susanna Greer, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at the V Foundation. “When we support research that addresses disparities and empowers scientists from underrepresented backgrounds, we move closer to a future where every person benefits from lifesaving cancer advancements. Achieving Victory Over Cancer® must include everyone.”
Since 2015, the V Foundation has invested nearly $48 million in research to address disparities in cancer outcomes. A key driver of this work is the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, with Boo-Yah as the V Foundation’s signature event that powers this mission, raising over $11.3 million in the event’s five-year history. 100% of net event proceeds from Boo-Yah go directly toward funding lifesaving cancer research.
Highlights of the 5th Anniversary of Boo-Yah included:
Sponsor Appreciation Reception at Refinery Rooftop, hosted by Michael Eaves, Anchor, ESPN SportsCenter. Guests enjoyed scenic views of the vibrant New York City skyline, Northern California wines, local chefs and entertainment, while raising a toast to the generous Boo-Yah sponsors and V Foundation partners, with Kevin Martinez, VP of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN, as a featured speaker.
Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic at Madison Square Garden. This high-energy doubleheader, held in honor of legendary coach and V Foundation founder Jim Valvano, brought together four powerhouse men’s college basketball teams as part of ESPN’s “V Week.” This year’s matchups saw BYU defeat Clemson in a thrilling buzzer-beater and UConn defeat Florida.
Conversations for a Cure hosted at The Venue on Music Row, Hard Rock NYC by Jay Harris, Anchor of ESPN SportsCenter. V Foundation-funded researchers shared their professional backgrounds, their current work, and the impact for patients and their families. Each researcher was either funded through the Stuart Scott Fund or awarded a V Foundation grant focused on work in addressing cancer disparities.
Boo-Yah Gala & Auction and After Party at Gotham Hall, hosted by ABC News Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott and ESPN’s Rich Eisen. The Gala & Auction featured the presentation of the inaugural Stuart Scott IMPACT Award to Pro Football Hall of Famer and ESPN Analyst Randy Moss – a cancer thriver and passionate advocate. Moss spoke about his own experience with bile duct cancer, the long-lasting impression Stuart Scott left on him, and his call-to-action to continue advocating for patients of underserved backgrounds.
This pinnacle event included gourmet food, wine, and a lively auction to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research’s Stuart Scott Fund.
The live auction’s top lots included: ‘2026 Winter Olympic Games Experience’ provided by U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the ‘Ultimate U.S. Open Experience’ hosted by Syndi and Taelor Scott, and a ‘Coast-to-Coast VIP Hockey Experience’ donated by Anaheim Ducks Defenseman Jacob Trouba. The excitement continued through the Fund-a-Need paddle raise, bringing the evening’s total to $3.1 million raised. Boo-Yah was proudly presented by Disney and TKO Group Holdings.
Coinciding with the fifth anniversary event, ESPN also premiered its 30 for 30 documentary, “Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott,” on December 10, chronicling Scott’s remarkable story of breaking barriers in his career and inspiring millions through his life and legacy. The documentary is available on ESPN, the ESPN app, and Disney+.
“Sharing the SportsCenter desk with Stuart for so many years gave me a front-row seat to the way he changed sports broadcasting like no one else, and this night is about keeping that unmatched spirit and passion going,” said Rich Eisen, Emmy-nominated broadcaster and Boo-Yah co-host. “The Boo-Yah event, and the V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, is a direct extension of his life’s work: being a force for good. Every dollar raised keeps his dream alive and helps us get closer to a cure.”
The 6th Annual Boo-Yah will take place December 8-9, 2026. To learn more, please visit v.org/booyahnyc.
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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 Boo-Yah
Boo-Yah is a unique event series that makes a significant impact on racial disparities in cancer outcomes by funding grants through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund.
Media Contact:
Alex Paterson
V Foundation for Cancer Research
[email protected]
