Cary, NC (July 24, 2023) – The third annual Quenton Nelson’s Blocking Cancer event, presented by Gregor Private Wealth Group at Merrill Lynch, took place on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, and raised $700,000 for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, with efforts specifically targeting therapeutic resistance. The two-day event featured a dinner auction at the Lucas Estate and a celebrity softball game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The funds raised will benefit the V Foundation. Since its inception, Nelson’s Blocking Cancer event has raised over $1,000,000 for the V.
Indianapolis Colts All-Pro Offensive Lineman Quenton Nelson Helps Raise $700,000 for Cancer Research
Auction dinner and inaugural celebrity softball game will fund ground-breaking cancer research through the V Foundation for Cancer Research
Photo credit: Marissa Bowers
Friday’s auction was hosted by Cayleigh Griffin, host and reporter for Bally Sports Ohio and the pre and postgame host of “Cavaliers Live.” The auction featured premier packages, including a VIP experience at ESPN’s V Week in New York City. This year’s top auction item was the Quenton Nelson lot, which included game tickets and a private dinner with Quenton at Anthony’s Chophouse.
“I am humbled by the unwavering dedication and support from the Indianapolis community and everyone involved in this event to make it a great success year after year,” Quenton Nelson said. “I am especially thankful to Jim Irsay for his incredibly generous $250,000 donation to the cause. This weekend exceeded my expectations and, together with the V Foundation, will allow us to make a difference in accelerating the pace of cancer research today, which means more lives saved tomorrow.”
Photo credit: Marissa Bowers
Nelson worked with the Indianapolis Indians on the charity softball game. The game featured special appearances from Indianapolis Colts’ players and celebrity guests, including Gardner Minshew, Kenny Moore II and Zaire Franklin.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Quenton for his unwavering dedication to our mission as we join forces to fund game-changing cancer research by the best and the brightest scientists,” said V Foundation CEO Shane Jacobson. “Increased funding for cancer research has made a measurable impact on cancer outcomes and events like Quenton Nelson’s Blocking Cancer help make this possible. We are incredibly grateful to the Indianapolis community for its continued support of achieving Jim Valvano’s dream of Victory Over Cancer®.”
The fund-a-need at this year’s Blocking Cancer event focused on therapeutic resistance. Resistance occurs when cancer is initially treated successfully but later finds a way around the treatment regimen. There is a greater need than ever before to understand why cancers become resistant and to develop new drugs that cancers will have a harder time becoming resistant to.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research works with its Scientific Advisory Committee, a group comprised of the nation’s top doctors and scientists, to identify and select grant recipients from top cancer centers in the country. The foundation holds 11 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, placing it among the top 2% of all charities evaluated.
For additional information on the V Foundation, or to donate, please visit v.org.
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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 over $310 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide 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 are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
Contact:
Mykala Healy
mhealy@coynepr.com
973-588-2069
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