Tags: Featured|News|Press Release

Sarasota, FL [April 19, 2022] – The Tom Gores Family Foundation bestowed a major gift of $500,000 to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, to be directed to the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. The V Foundation is one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations. The donation will fund critically needed pediatric cancer research nationwide. To date, the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund has awarded nearly $60 million to end pediatric cancer.

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of Tom Gores, Detroit Pistons’ owner, as his major donation of $500,000 is going to play a big role in pediatric cancer research,” said Vitale. “It is time that the pediatric oncologists get the funding needed to develop new medicines and treatments to help children win this battle. We are so grateful that Tom has joined our team and extended a hand to us in this worthy cause.”

Tom Gores is founder, chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity, headquartered in Beverly Hills, Calif., with offices throughout the US and internationally. Gores’ philanthropy has touched many organizations nationwide benefiting children and their communities.

“Dick Vitale’s relentless pursuit to aid in pediatric cancer research, while courageously battling the disease himself, is inspiring.  My wife, Holly, and I are honored to be a part of a basketball community who comes together to make an impact on the lives of others, and Dick’s work with the V Foundation represents the epitome of impact,” said Tom Gores.  “We hope our support can aid families battling pediatric cancer by continuing the research needed to fight this disease.”

“What an incredible gift from the Tom Gores Family Foundation,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “We are grateful for this generous donation that will support the very best in pediatric cancer research. Children facing cancer endure a terrible burden, and the need to improve treatments for them is urgent. This donation will ensure we move research forward, improving and saving the lives of our youngest patients.”

Dick Vitale has held an annual Gala in Sarasota for the past 16 years. For information about the Annual Gala, please contact Mary Kenealy Events Gala Office at 941-350-0580 or visit dickvitalegala.org. To make a donation, please visit v.org/vitale.

Proceeds to Fund Early Detection Cancer Research in Virginia and Nationwide

Cary, N.C. [April 11, 2022] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, raised nearly $900,000 at its seventh annual Virginia Vine wine event this past weekend, bringing the event’s overall fundraising total to more than $3.7 million. Proceeds from the event will support early detection cancer research. 

“Our first full Virginia Vine weekend was a win for both cancer research and our growing community of support to patients, caregivers and friends of those impacted by this insidious disease,” said Virginia Vine Chair and V Foundation Board Member Julie Chase. “Our team of hosts and sponsors here in the Greater Washington Area – and our high-energy guests – came out in force to change the course of care and focus on cures for cancer. It can’t be said enough that cancer affects us all — and the V Foundation has a critical effect on eradicating it from our lives. I am so grateful for the results of this important, beautiful and fun gathering.” 

The auction dinner on Saturday night at Stone Tower Winery, hosted by former star Washington quarterback Joe Theismann, and auctioneer Tony Award-winning Christian Hoff, featured food and wine from the region, as well as fourteen one-of-a-kind experiences for attendees to bid on in a live auction. Nick Valvano, former V Foundation CEO and brother of legendary basketball coach and V Foundation co-founder Jim Valvano, presented the first Virginia Vine Visionary Award to Mark D. Lerner, the managing principal owner and vice chairman of the Washington Nationals. 

“Virginia Vine continues to be an amazing event,” said Joe Theismann. “We see extraordinary generosity from so many attendees. It’s not just about wine and having fun – it is about declaring an end to cancer. Jimmy V challenged us to fund research and to stop this disease. Seeing so many people coming together to do that gives me hope for a future without cancer.”  

Attendees also enjoyed a Friday evening concert from Nashville recording artist Maggie Rose. On Saturday morning, the V Foundation hosted a panel discussion, Voices for Victory, at the Salamander Resort & Spa. Voices for Victory featured insights around the importance of early detection from cancer researchers representing the following Mission Partners the V Foundation has awarded cancer research grants to:
 

• University of Virginia Cancer Center 
• VCU Massey Cancer Center 
• Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center
   

The partners shared their work and how research is moving toward Victory Over Cancer^®. The panel was moderated by William Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and head of the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee. 

Following the scientific panel, the audience enjoyed a discussion with sports greats Gary Williams, former University of Maryland men’s basketball head coach, and former NBA player and congressman Tom McMillen. ESPN college basketball analyst Seth Greenberg moderated the panel, as all three reflected on their time in sports and how their lives have been affected by cancer. 

In addition to the three Mission Partners, additional sponsors include Stone Tower Winery, McGuireWoods LLP and the Washington Speakers Bureau.    

The V Foundation holds 11 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.  

For more information about the V Foundation, Virginia Vine, 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 nearly $290 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards game-changing grants through a competitive process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.

Media Contact:
Torrey Winchester
918-638-1413
[email protected] 

Cary, N.C. [April 4, 2022] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research raised over $2.4 million at the inaugural Sonoma Epicurean weekend, held March 31 – April 3 in Sonoma County’s renowned wine country. A signature series of events, Sonoma Epicurean featured curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners with a focus on lifestyle, wellness and sustainability. Proceeds from the inaugural event will support grants funded through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The V Foundation has now funded nearly $290 million in cancer research grants nationwide.

“We couldn’t be happier with the success of this inaugural program in Sonoma County’s beautiful wine country,” stated Shane Jacobson, CEO, the V Foundation. “This weekend was an immersive experience, where we stood shoulder to shoulder with supporters as one team and engaged with the doctors who are on the front lines. This truly was an experience second to none.”

“The inaugural Sonoma Epicurean brought together the finest chefs, artisans, vintners and venues in a uniquely Sonoma County way to celebrate the V Foundation and the work that is being done to fund cancer research,” added 2022 event Chair Stuart Bryan of Pride Mountain Vineyards. “We are so grateful to everyone who made this happen, including our auction sponsors, program partners, donors, scientists, volunteers and guests. Cancer knows no boundaries, and it knows no appellations – we need to all come together in the Fight Against Cancer.”

The event kicked off with the Epicurean Winery Dinners, where Northern California’s finest chefs including Charlie Palmer of Dry Creek Kitchen and Hotel Healdsburg, Dustin Valette of Valette and The Matheson, and Montage Healdsburg executive chef Jaron Dubinsky created antioxidant-rich menus perfectly paired with world-class wines from top Sonoma County vintners, including Aperture Cellars, Ramey Wine Cellars, AldenAlli, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Silver Oak Cellars and Williams Selyem. The weekend continued with a variety of immersive culinary experiences, a connoisseur barrel auction and artisan workshops followed by the Epic Party at Mayacama Golf Club, where notable vintners shared their best vintages alongside cuisine from renown regional chefs.

The final day of the event included the Wellness Breakfast and EpiCUREean Symposium, where guests engaged with scientists and researchers in a lively discussion on cancer wellness and the need to address disparities in cancer research in minority ethnic groups, and culminated with the Epic Gala Auction at Montage Healdsburg, hosted by ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor, Sage Steele, and “The Good Doctor” actor, Hill Harper, and featured Emmy award-winning radio & TV personality, Liam Mayclem, and GRAMMY & Tony award-winning entertainer, Christian Hoff. An exuberant crowd raised their paddles to help achieve Victory Over Cancer^®.

The 2nd Annual Sonoma Epicurean weekend will take place in March of 2023. For more information, please visit sonomaepicurean.org.

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About Sonoma Epicurean

Sonoma Epicurean is a signature series of events featuring curated and hands-on experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners with focus on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability. Proceeds from the event will fund cancer research and related programs to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit sonomaepicurean.org.

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 $290 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards game-changing grants through a competitive process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.

Media Contacts:
Tom Fuller & Monty Sander
Fuller & Sander Communications
[email protected] 707.253.0868
[email protected] 707.253.8503

Jamie Valvano to Present Inaugural Visionary Vine Award to Washington Nationals Owner Mark Lerner 

Cary, N.C. [March 10, 2022] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research’s seventh annual Virginia Vine fundraising event is set to take place from April 8-10, 2022 in Middleburg, Virginia. The weekend’s schedule of events includes a ‘Wine|Country: Nashville Comes to Middleburg’ concert by Maggie Rose, as well as a Voices for Victory panel discussion with sports greats and scientists, a dinner featuring a live auction, and a farewell breakfast. All events during the weekend will focus on the V Foundation’s mission of achieving Victory Over Cancer®. An all-inclusive ticket is $1,500 per person and Friday single-day event tickets are $500 per person. Net proceeds will support game-changing cancer research in Virginia and beyond.

“How exciting it is to be back in beautiful Loudoun County for another fantastic Virginia Vine,” said Shane Jacobson, chief executive officer of the V Foundation. “From the food and wine to the weekend’s events, this will be an exceptional experience that benefits the very best cancer research.”

The 2022 Virginia Vine event is raising funds for early detection research. When cancer is found early, treatments are potentially more successful, less invasive and less expensive. To date, the V Foundation has funded more than $3.8 million in early detection research. The Voices for Victory panel will discuss the impact of early detection and the importance of funding cancer research. Moderators are: Bill Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins and ESPN college basketball analyst Seth Greenberg. Panelists are: Matthew Miller, M.D., from UVA Health; Ashwani Rajput, M.D., director of Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center for the National Capital Region; V Foundation grant recipient and gynecologic oncologist Stephanie Sullivan, M.D.; NBA reporter/analyst and co-host of ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption,” Michael Wilbon; and former professional basketball player and U.S. Congressman Tom McMillen.

The auction dinner will be hosted by former star Washington quarterback, Joe Theismann, alongside auctioneer and Tony Award-winning performer Christian Hoff. Jamie Valvano, motivational speaker and daughter of legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, will present the inaugural Virginia Vine Visionary Award to managing principal owner and vice chairman of the Washington Nationals, Mark D. Lerner. This award was created to recognize individuals who show exemplary commitment to the V Foundation’s mission of defeating cancer while also exhibiting Jim Valvano’s “Don’t Ever Give Up!” spirit.

“I am excited to return as host of the Virginia Vine auction dinner,” said Theismann. “Every year, this event grows – we raise more money for cancer research, and we learn even more about the great work of the V Foundation. I can’t wait to spend an evening with Christian, Jamie and Mark and all the guests as we work to fulfill Jimmy V’s goal to end cancer!”

Sponsors of the event include three Mission Partners: University of Virginia Cancer Center; VCU Massey Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins Medicine, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. Additional sponsors include Stone Tower Winery, McGuireWoods LLP and the Washington Speakers Bureau.

The V Foundation holds 11 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the V Foundation, Virginia Vine, or to donate, please visit v.org.

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 $290 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards game-changing grants through a competitive process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.

Virginia’s Finest Wines and Culinary Delights to be Delivered Straight to Homes

CARY, N.C., and Washington (March 18, 2021) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, will host the sixth annual Virginia Vine fundraising event on April 24. Tickets for the two-part virtual event start at $500 per couple, with net proceeds supporting game-changing cancer research. It starts with a morning event broadcast from Middleburg, VA. The evening experience will broadcast from Leesburg, VA., and will be complemented by wine and hors d’oeuvres delivered to guests’ homes. A live auction and musical entertainment from two of Nashville’s biggest songwriting stars will round out the program.

“I’m excited to host another Virginia Vine,” said Joe Theismann, auction gala host, entrepreneur and former star Washington quarterback. “It’s going to be a fun evening, with great wine, food and company, and it will support research that is critically needed in immunotherapy. We’re helping shape a brighter future for those facing cancer.”

Voices for Victory, the hour-long morning event, will blend science and sports and be broadcast from Greenhill Winery & Vineyards on the V Foundation’s YouTube channel. It kicks off with a dynamic panel of cancer researchers from mission partners University of Virginia Health Systems and Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center sharing their work in immunotherapy and discussing how V Foundation funding is driving them toward Victory Over Cancer®. Following the research segment, guests will enjoy a conversation featuring ESPN on-air talent and V Foundation Board Member Jay Bilas, V Foundation Board Member and basketball great Dereck Whittenburg and sports legend Ralph Sampson, covering everything from sports to how cancer has affected them.

The virtual Auction Gala, broadcast from Stone Tower Winery, will be hosted by Joe Theismann, with Jay Bilas as the guest speaker. The gala will feature exquisite Virginia wine, culinary delights, one-of-a-kind auction items and entertainment from award-winning songwriters Neil Thrasher and Paul Overstreet, all in support of cancer research. Guests will have the option to experience the event via livestream on any device (computer, tablet, SmartTV, etc.) or via the Remo “virtual ballroom” video platform. This option will allow attendees to mix and mingle with friends and others in the room, including Jay Bilas and Joe Theismann.

Key corporate supporters of the event include McGuireWoods, Brandito and George Mason Mortgage.

“The Virginia Vine Auction weekend has been building in momentum every year,” said Julie Chase, chair of the event. “Although we’re primarily virtual this year, it will be a dynamic night as we enjoy the best of the Virginia Wine Country with friends – right in your own home while we continue to get closer to victory over cancer.”

The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the V Foundation, Virginia Vine or to donate, please visit v.org.

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 more than $260 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 is awarded to cancer research and programs.  The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

Funds Raised Support Groundbreaking Research Projects in Virginia and Nationwide

Cary, NC [April 26, 2021] — The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, has raised more than $1 million at the sixth annual Virginia Vine, exceeding all previous years’ Vine fundraising efforts. The event featured a cancer symposium, a conversation among sports legends, silent and live auctions, a Fund-A-Need dedicated to immunotherapy research, as well as entertainment from two award-winning Nashville singers and songwriters. The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) partnered with the V Foundation to match every $100,000 raised during the Fund-A-Need. CRI matched $300,000 to help achieve the $1 million.

“Our Virginia Vine event was an amazing display of generosity as well as unity against cancer,” said Shane Jacobson, chief executive officer of the V Foundation. “Scientists are making advances and they urgently need more support. Thank you to every attendee and sponsor – you put cancer research first, and your dedication means we will save more lives.”

The hybrid virtual/in-person auction gala was broadcast from Stone Tower Winery on April 24 and was hosted by Joe Theismann, former quarterback of the Washington Football Team, with ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas as the featured speaker. Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres sourced from Virginia, with virtual guests having dining elements shipped directly to their door. The evening’s fundraising efforts featured a lively auction, and the evening’s biggest ticket item, a Washington Football Team watch party with Joe Theismann, Jay Bilas, Ralph Sampson and Dereck Whittenburg, was auctioned for $15,000. The event concluded with an after-party featuring entertainment from Nashville stars Neil Thrasher and Paul Overstreet, who shared the stories behind their hit songs.

“What a night for cancer research,” said Joe Theismann. “We raised a record-breaking figure and had an incredible time doing it. I loved being part of an event where so many generous people were committed to ending cancer!”

To highlight the urgency and momentum behind immunotherapy research, the event featured a morning panel discussion, Voices for Victory, broadcast from Salamander Resort & Spa via YouTube. The hour-long event kicked off with a dynamic panel of cancer researchers from Mission Partners UVA Health and VCU Massey Cancer Center sharing their work in immunotherapy and discussing how V Foundation funding is driving them toward Victory Over Cancer®. The scientific panel was followed by ESPN on-air talent and V Foundation Board Member Jay Bilas, basketball great and V Foundation Board Member Dereck Whittenburg and basketball star Ralph Sampson, discussing everything from sports to how cancer has affected them personally.

Through the past five years of Virginia Vine fundraising, the V Foundation has awarded cancer research grants in both Virginia and nationwide. The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the V Foundation, Virginia Vine, or to donate, please visit v.org.

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 more than $260 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards game-changing grants through a competitive process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.

Designation Puts the Organization in the Top 2% of Charities Evaluated

Cary, N.C. [January 31, 2022] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, has been awarded their 11th consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities. A 4-star rating is the highest possible assessment awarded, and it is based upon key indicators of financial health, accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator has become the nation’s most-utilized evaluator of aid organizations, assessing over 9,000 American charities to date.

The V Foundation’s mission is to fund game-changing research and all-star scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. With an endowment that covers all administrative expenses, the V Foundation is able to award 100% of direct donations to cutting-edge cancer research and has proudly awarded nearly $290 million to date in service of that mission. This 11th consecutive 4-star award positions the V Foundation in the top 2% of charities evaluated by Charity Navigator.

“I’m very pleased to see the V Foundation’s continued recognition as a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator,” said Evan Goldberg, chair of the V Foundation board of directors and executive vice president of Oracle NetSuite Global Business Unit. “Part of my role as board chair is to ensure the Foundation is operating efficiently and effectively, and this affirmation from a respected source reinforces what I see every day in my role. We are laser focused on raising money to fund groundbreaking cancer research, and this will help us stand out from a sea of other worthy organizations as we strive to raise more dollars to support finding cures for cancer and saving lives.”

There are nearly 17 million cancer survivors in the U.S. The V Foundation ensures the momentum in science continues. The research funded by the V Foundation brings new discoveries, encourages collaboration and supports translational research leading to clinical trials that accelerate new therapies to patients.

“Among the many reasons why I have been so closely involved with the V Foundation since its inception is because of how efficiently and effectively we have been able to operate,” said charter board member Geoff Mason, CEO and executive producer at Mainstay Communications, Inc. “The 100% direct donation pledge and the continued 4-star Charity Navigator rating mean that donors know their dollars are working hard in funding cancer research across many different cancer types. Simply stated, I hope we can wipe cancer off the face of the earth – and very soon. The V Foundation is at the forefront of doing just that.”

In addition to a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity. For more information or to donate to the V Foundation, please visit v.org.

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 $290 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 is awarded to cancer research and programs.  The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

The V Foundation & ESPN Team Up for 15^th Annual V Week for Cancer Research

Cary, N.C. [November 30, 2021] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce its year-end initiatives, including the 15^th annual V Week for Cancer Research from November 30 to December 12. Launching on #GivingTuesday, V Week will include a variety of activities and fundraising opportunities across ESPN platforms highlighting the V Foundation and encouraging donations to fund life-saving cancer research. The support of ESPN and generous donors and partners during V Week are critical to moving research forward.

“Raising funds for cancer research is a long-standing tradition at ESPN,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “This year we are committed to continuing the work we’ve been doing to close the gap in cancer disparities experienced by minority patients. Together we’ll take another step in the right direction of beating cancer.”

V Foundation year-end initiatives include: 

• Giving Tuesday (November 30): The week kicks off with a global day of giving.

• The ESPN Roadblock (December 1): At 7 p.m. EST, ESPN will dedicate all of its platforms to sharing inspirational messages from the late Jim Valvano and others, including Robin Roberts and the late Stuart Scott.

• UFC “Fight Like Hell” Night (December 4): UFC is dedicating this event to the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, a Fund designed to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes and research. Scott had a strong connection to mixed martial arts and even trained during his treatments. “Fight Like Hell” Night will feature Stuart Scott-related content throughout fight night and UFC will donate $100,000 to the Stuart Scott Fund. Screening of the fights is available on pay per view. 

• The 27^th annual Jimmy V Men’s and Women’s Classic games (December 7 and December 12): The men’s college basketball doubleheader returns to Madison Square Garden on December 7, and it will feature an opening game between Tennessee and Texas Tech, followed by a primetime showdown between Syracuse and Villanova. The women’s event is set to take place on December 12, with Kentucky at Louisville and Maryland at South Carolina.

• #VStrongBaby: Dick Vitale is a tireless champion for kids facing cancer. He is a long-time V Foundation board member and hosts an annual gala to benefit pediatric cancer research. Nearly $60 million has been awarded by the V Foundation through the Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer. As he faces his own cancer journey, now is the moment to rally around him. During V Week, support Vitale’s fight by sharing inspiring stories and photos with #VStrongBaby. 

• Alpha Phi Alpha’s “Give and Go to Fight Cancer”: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the world’s oldest intercollegiate fraternity founded by African American men, is partnering with the V Foundation to combat disparities in cancer and has committed $100,000 to the V Foundation for this cause. During V Week, APA will also launch their month-long “Give and Go to Fight Cancer” campaign, which encourages donations to the Stuart Scott Fund and for supporters to go get screened for cancer.

• StockX Partnership: StockX, the global platform for consuming and trading current culture products – including sneakers, electronics, apparel, accessories and collectibles — has partnered with ESPN and the V Foundation to host a celebrity sneaker and memorabilia raffle benefiting cancer research. The campaign will launch on November 30 at 12 p.m. EST and run until December 2 at 11:59 a.m. EST. Each $10 entry gives participants a chance to win the selected product (winners selected randomly), with proceeds donated to the V Foundation. Among the items available are a Drake x Nocta x TaylorMade irons, signed Kevin Durant Nike KD14 shoes, Nike SB Nyjah Free 2 Summit White Icy Sole (worn by Nyjah Huston) sneakers and signed Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski Nike LeBron XVIII Duke PE kicks.

• Team V 2022 Race Registration Opens: Make a New Year’s resolution to get fit and save lives. Registration is open for several 2022 bucket-list races, including Disney World races, the United Airlines NYC Half, the TCS New York City Marathon and more.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): The AKC is raising funds and awareness for canine comparative oncology during their awards show to air on December 2 on ESPN2. In addition, AKC is donating $25,000 to the V Foundation to support research for canines and humans with cancer.

“When we bring together our founding partner, ESPN, and all our dedicated supporters, cancer doesn’t stand a chance,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “This year’s V Week has the critical components to raise meaningful dollars for life-saving cancer research through the V Foundation. With this, we offer hope to cancer patients and their families, like our own beloved board member and friend, Dick Vitale. One Team for Victory Over Cancer is not just a campaign; our partners and supporters are making it reality, and we are grateful.”

The V Foundation has proudly awarded nearly $290 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit v.org.

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 $290 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 is awarded to cancer research and programs.  The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer^®. To learn more, visit v.org.

About ESPN Corporate Citizenship

ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplift the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.