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4th Annual ‘Scott Hamilton and Friends’ Benefits The Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation for Funding Cancer Research with Partial Proceeds Benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton will return to the ice on November 24 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN for the fourth annual ‘Scott Hamilton & Friends.’ On Sunday, the biggest names in figure skating will perform to songs performed live by the greatest names in music. The event will raise funds for The Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, funding cancer research, including $200,000 benefiting the V Foundation.

“I have some truly amazing friends that will come together for a night unlike any other – incredible music and figure skating performances combined for a night that celebrates the ‘80s while raising money for cancer research,” said Hamilton.

Co-hosting the evening with Hamilton is nine-time GRAMMY Award winner Sheryl Crow. Crow and Hamilton, both cancer survivors, will be joined on stage for performances by GRAMMY winning artist Kenny Loggins, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw, American Music Award-winning band MercyMe, Academy of Country Music nominated band Runaway June, John Elefante, former lead singer of Kansas, and Johnathan Cain and Neal Schon of Journey, backed by highly acclaimed Nashville touring, recording and songwriting veterans, Sixwire.

“Working with Scott and the team at Scott Hamilton CARES is an absolute privilege and joy,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “Their creativity captures our minds, and their commitment to cancer patients and research captures our hearts. This partnership helps us both put outstanding science into motion – so we can put an end to cancer.”

The event will pair these live music performances with ice skating from the biggest names in the field. Performances will include Olympic Ice Dancing Gold Medalists and Dancing with the Stars champion Meryl Davis and her partner Olympic Ice Dancing Gold Medalist Charlie White, 2x Olympic Pairs Gold Medalist Katia Gordeeva, Ice Dance World Medalists Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje, World Gold Medalist Jeffrey Buttle, U.S. National Gold Medalist Mirai Nagasu, 2x U.S. National Gold Medalist Alissa Czisny, U.S. National Gold Medalists Ashley Cain-Gribble and Timothy Le Duc, U.S. National Gold Medalist Ryan Bradley, U.S. National Gold Medalist Max Aaron and 2x Canadian National Gold Medalist Nam Nguyen.

Proceeds from the concert benefit Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which supports the future of cancer by funding advanced, innovative research that treats the cancer while sparing the patient. For more information, visit ScottCARES.org

The V Foundation’s Team V Impresses at TCS New York City Marathon

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is pleased to announce that Team V, the V Foundation’s endurance fundraising program, raised nearly $350,000 during its participation in the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon on November 3. This year marked the 49^th running of the TCS New York City Marathon, with more than 53,000 finishers. Team V runners raised money to fund premier cancer research nationwide through the V Foundation.

“On average, I’ve run one marathon every year since I started medical school.” said Emma Holliday, a Team V runner and a radiation oncologist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “I usually run for myself, for my physical and mental health. This year, I am running for my patients: past, present and future. I see every day what a difference cutting-edge research makes for our patients with cancer. I am so proud to be able to raise money for the V Foundation as they support research that gives more and better options to my patients!”

This year’s TCS New York City Marathon Team V had 76 members. Brian Yurko led fundraising, with more than $10,000, as he ran his first-ever marathon for friends and family that have been affected by cancer. Melissa Smith, another Team V member, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2010. Love and support from her family and friends helped her make it through the rigorous chemotherapy regiment required to address the inoperable mass in her chest.

“I feel like it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run this race,” said Smith. “So many people diagnosed with cancer may not ever get to see their dreams come true, so I do this for all my friends, family and strangers that are burdened by this disease. I am one of the lucky ones that get to show the world we don’t ever give up!”

Since 2014, Team V has raised more than $3 million for cancer research through runners’ participation in endurance events across the country, including the TCS New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon and Tobacco Road Marathon & Half Marathon. The TCS New York City Marathon covers all five boroughs of the city, while attracting over 50,000 participants and finishers. To participate in this bucket-list race, each Team V member made a minimum fundraising commitment of $3,500.

“Team V is an incredible group of runners,” said Allie Bigelow, Manager of the Team V program. “I am inspired by the tenacity and dedication this team has shown as they have raised funds to benefit the V Foundation while also preparing for the marathon itself. It is no small feat to juggle these tasks with their already busy lives, and we are grateful for their dedication and proud of their determination. What a spectacular team!”

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of cancer charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

For more information and to register for Team V, please visit v.org/teamv.

Applebee’s Restaurants Mid-Atlantic Donates $80,000 to the V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce an $80,000 donation from Applebee’s Restaurants Mid-Atlantic, the local group operating Applebee’s restaurants in North and South Carolina. The funds will allow advancements in pediatric cancer research. The check was presented on August 7 at Applebee’s Restaurants Mid-Atlantic’s March Hoops Awards Dinner. The dinner celebrated the 2019 fundraising initiative and honored the top contributing restaurants and servers.

“We are proud to partner with the V Foundation every year for the last 13 years. Cancer has touched many lives in our Applebee’s family, and we are dedicated to helping fund research for new technologies and treatments,” said Elizabeth McGee, Vice President of Operations of Applebee’s Restaurants Mid-Atlantic.

Applebee’s Restaurants Mid-Atlantic has been a constant supporter of cancer research. Since 2006, the group has fundraised and donated $1.6 million to pediatric cancer research through to the V Foundation. Among the grants is Corinne Linardic, M.D., Ph.D., at Duke Cancer Institute. Linardic was awarded a Designated Grant from the V Foundation in 2015 for her research of rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft tissue cancer in children. She spoke to those in attendance at the awards dinner to thank the group for their dedication to pediatric cancer research and to provide an update on her research.

Pictured: Karen Collins (Manager of Corporate Partnerships, the V Foundation), Sherrie Mazur (Senior VP of Communications, the V Foundation), Elizabeth McGee (VP of Company Operations at Applebee’s Mid-Atlantic), Randy Karsten (VP of Business Alliances, the V Foundation), Kevin Carroll (SVP, Chief Operations Officer of Dine Brands)

“What an incredible partner Applebee’s Restaurants Mid-Atlantic has been,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “With their support, we are pushing back against childhood cancer. We are funding the very best researchers, like Dr. Linardic, to help our youngest patients survive cancer and live long and healthy lives. Together, we are looking toward Victory Over Cancer®.”

About Applebee’s Mid-Atlantic

Applebee’s Mid-Atlantic is a company-owned restaurant group that operates 69 locations within North Carolina and South Carolina. Applebee’s Mid-Atlantic strives to be a recognized leader in both the casual dining industry and in local charitable fundraising. For more information on Applebee’s Mid-Atlantic restaurants, please visit www.applebees.com.

PatientPoint, V Foundation for Cancer Research Team Up to Inspire Waiting Rooms Nationwide

PatientPoint^® and the V Foundation for Cancer Research^® today announced a content partnership that brings legendary basketball coach and ESPN commentator Jim Valvano’s rallying cry of “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”^® to cancer patients and caregivers at the pivotal point of care. The inspirational content, now featured on PatientPoint digital waiting room screens slated to reach more than 18 million patients in more than 500 oncology practices by the end of the year, aims to raise awareness of the V Foundation and its mission to achieve Victory Over Cancer® by funding critical cancer research. Content also encourages waiting patients and caregivers to tune into signature, nationally televised V Foundation fundraising events including the ESPY awards (July 18 on ABC) and the Jimmy V Classic (December 2 and December 4 on ESPN).

As part of the PatientPoint digital oncology waiting room screens program, the PatientPoint & V Foundation content will complement other inspirational messages, award-winning education and personalized messages from individual offices designed to empower patients while they wait.

“We are so pleased to enter this partnership with PatientPoint and to have the opportunity to engage with patients across the country,” said V Foundation Chief Revenue Officer Norm Bowling. “The V Foundation funds researchers who are changing the lives of cancer patients. We share a mutual goal— to put an end to cancer. Collaborations like this raise awareness and support for the best and brightest researchers, making that goal more and more attainable.”

Digital waiting room screens are one component of the PatientPoint patient engagement platform, which leverages waiting rooms in addition to other critical point-of-care touchpoints such as exam rooms and the back office to improve the patient experience and drive clinical outcomes. The collaboration with the V Foundation directly supports the PatientPoint mantra of making every doctor-patient engagement better.

“We’re honored and privileged to share the immortal words of Jim Valvano and the inspirational mission of the V Foundation for Cancer Research with thousands of cancer patients across the country during the moments that matter most in their care journey,” said PatientPoint Founder and CEO Mike Collette. “By sharing the V Foundation’s message in the waiting room, we hope to inspire patients to talk with their providers and loved ones about participating in and supporting cancer research—ultimately helping the V Foundation accomplish its mission of achieving victory over cancer.

About PatientPoint

PatientPoint® is a patient engagement solutions company passionately committed to making every doctor-patient engagement better. By harnessing the power of technology, our omnichannel platform more effectively educates and empowers patients, caregivers and staff to deliver improved health outcomes and an enhanced patient experience. For 30 years, hospitals, health systems, physician offices and sponsoring brands have trusted PatientPoint and its more than 450 team members to provide a uniquely integrated experience across care settings. By the end of 2018, PatientPoint programs are on track to impact patient-physician discussions in more than 51,000 physician offices and 1,000 hospitals

Nationals’ Shortstop Trea Turner, wife Kristen Donate $50,000 to the V Foundation for Stolen Base During Game One of World Series

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a $50,000 donation from Trea and Kristen Turner, continuing their dedication to pediatric cancer research. Throughout the season, Trea and Kristen donated $500 for every base stolen through a Pledge It campaign. During Game One of the World Series, Trea recorded the first stolen base of the 2019 World Series, just three pitches into the contest. His dash to second base scored free tacos for everyone in America from Taco Bell as part of its annual “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” campaign, and it prompted Trea and Kristen’s generous donation to help end pediatric cancer. America’s “Taco Hero” and his wife have been supporters of pediatric cancer research funded through the V Foundation.

“What a World Series so far,” said Trea Turner. “The Nationals got a big win Tuesday night, and so did everyone in America. I’m proud to be a Taco Hero, but I’m even more proud to support the V Foundation. Kristen and I are humbled to be a part of the fight against pediatric cancer.”

Trea and Kristen have spent this season highlighting the importance of pediatric cancer research. Trea stole 35 bases this season. Through a combination of the Turners’ generosity and fans making pledges, more than $40,000 has been raised for pediatric cancer research funded through the V Foundation, in addition to the $50,000 the Turners donated as a result of Game One’s stolen base. Only 4% of federal cancer research funding goes to pediatric cancer research. The Turners have been remarkable ambassadors for the V Foundation, bringing much-needed attention to the important research conducted nationwide.

“What an exciting night for Trea Turner, the Nationals and the V Foundation,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “I am so proud to celebrate Trea’s accomplishments with the whole country and to recognize the Turners’ amazing contribution to pediatric cancer research. There is simply not enough funding for research of childhood cancers, but we can change that. The V Foundation’s goal is to achieve Victory Over Cancer®, and with all of your support, we can make it happen.”

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

For more information and to donate, please visit v.org. To join in on the Pledge It campaign to raise funds for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation, please visit pledgeit.org/trea-turner.

Pepsi Bottling Ventures’ Jimmy V Vending Machines Raise More Than $500,000 for the V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is pleased to announce Pepsi Bottling Ventures, through their Jimmy V vending machines, has raised more than $70,000 for cancer research in the first two quarters of 2019, bringing the six-year total for the program to more than $500,000.

“I could not be more pleased with the support we have received from our customers and the V Foundation as it relates to our program to help fund cancer research,” said Randy Quirk, Vice President of Foodservice for Pepsi Bottling Ventures. “We are proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to continuing to grow this program over the next several years.”

Since 2013, Pepsi Bottling Ventures has generously donated commissions from the sale of every drink purchased from Jimmy V vending machines to the V Foundation and has increased the number of Jimmy V machines every year since the partnership began. Pepsi Bottling Ventures is the nation’s largest privately held manufacturer, seller and distributor of Pepsi-Cola beverages.

“Pepsi Bottling Ventures has used its creativity and visibility to help the V Foundation raise funds and awareness to fight cancer,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “They offer us all the chance to join the fight against a terrible disease by funding critical cancer research across the country.”

Today, there are 1,260 dedicated Jimmy V vending machines in North and South Carolina. This number includes 158 new machines added since the beginning of 2019.

For more information about Pepsi Bottling Ventures, please visit www.pepsibottlingventures.com.

UNICO National Donates $50,000 to the V Foundation in Memory of Toni Alongi

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a $50,000 donation from UNICO National in memory of former member Toni Alongi. The check was presented to Sherrie Mazur, Senior Vice President of Communications at the V Foundation, at UNICO National’s annual convention in Nashville, TN, on July 26.

“UNICO National, the largest Italian American service organization in the U.S., is proud to partner with the V Foundation in the fight against cancer,” said Frank N. DeFrank, M.D., Executive Vice President of UNICO National. “With this current grant, UNICO has donated $700,000 to cancer research through the V Foundation. Our membership is enthusiastically committed to continue this funding and has already started fundraising for our next grant.”

UNICO presented a $50,000 check to the V Foundation for Cancer Research

UNICO National has been an exceptional supporter of cancer research. Since 2000, UNICO has helped fund 15 grants through the V Foundation to leading cancer centers in the U.S. All grants presented by UNICO are given in memory of members or their family members who have passed away from cancer. The most recent grant was given in memory of Alongi, who battled breast cancer. Alongi passed away in 2013. The grant in Alongi’s memory will help fund the work of Kevin Krull, Ph.D., at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Krull’s research focuses on survivors of childhood leukemia with less-developed cognitive skills (e.g., attention, speed of thinking, reasoning) post-chemotherapy and explores which survivors are at higher risk of reduced cognitive functions.

“UNICO National is a generous supporter of cancer research. The work they are funding through the V Foundation is making advances in the scientific community and changing the lives of those diagnosed with cancer,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “We are proud to partner with UNICO to push back against this terrible disease.”

Founded in 1922, UNICO National is the largest Italian American service organization in the U.S. The non-profit, whose name means “unique, one of a kind,” engages members in charitable works, supports higher education and performs patriotic deeds.

Pepsi Bottling Ventures’ Jimmy V Vending Machines Raise More Than $330,000 for the V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is pleased to announce Pepsi Bottling Ventures has raised $110,741 for cancer research in 2017, bringing the five-year total for the program to $333,772.

Since 2013, Pepsi Bottling Ventures’ customers have donated their commission of the Jimmy V vending machines to the initiative. Pepsi Bottling Ventures, the nation’s largest privately held manufacturer, seller and distributor of Pepsi-Cola beverages, will continue to make the Jimmy V vending machine program available in 2018 to fund cutting-edge cancer research through the V Foundation.

“Pepsi Bottling Ventures has been an incredible partner for the last five years. Their machines are a great reminder of how we can all play a part in stopping cancer,” said Randy Karsten, Managing Director of Strategic and Corporate Sponsorships. “It’s a refreshing way to support the nation’s best cancer research.”

With 1,032 dedicated vending machines across North Carolina and the Conway and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina markets, Pepsi Bottling Ventures’ customers deferred $0.08 of each $1.00 beverage purchased from January to December 2017.

In the first year of the program, 158 machines raised nearly $9,000. With such success, 309 machines were added to the program in 2014, raising an additional $40,000. The program continued to grow, raising $77,000 in 2015 and $96,000 in 2016.

“We are very proud of the continued success of the Jimmy V vending program and the positive impact it has in supporting cancer research efforts,” said Randy Quirk, Vice President of Food Service at North Carolina-based Pepsi Bottling Ventures. “Proceeds from the initiative have grown each year, and we look forward to another strong year in 2018.”

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $200 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 4% of cancer charities of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

For more information about Pepsi Bottling Ventures, please visit www.pepsibottlingventures.com.

Second Annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer Raises More Than $230,000 for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research’s Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, a one-day charity cycling event presented by Braswell Family Farms and benefiting the V Foundation, was held on May 18 at NC State University’s Centennial Campus. The event raised more than $230,000 through a dedicated group of riders to help achieve Victory Over Cancer®. The V Foundation is proud to host an event in the Triangle, with 100% of rider-raised funds supporting Duke Cancer Institute, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as breakthrough cancer research nationwide.

“As a Victory Ride committee member, as well as a participant, the past two years have been a rewarding experience on two fronts,” said Jon Flaherty. “From the planning and execution side, it is great to see how much the event has grown from year one to year two. Most importantly, as a participant, the ability to use my passion to positively impact the lives of those who face cancer is an incredible feeling!”

The second annual event had over 600 registered riders and volunteers. Riders completed 10-, 30-, 60- or 100-mile routes. Prior to the ride, riders were served breakfast from Braswell Family Farms and heard from George Hincapie, 17-time Tour de France competitor and Grand Marshal of the Victory Ride. The post-event festival had beers from local breweries including Cotton House Craft Brewers, Bull City Ciderworks and Little City Brewing, as well as national brands New Belgium and Corona. In addition, there were local food trucks, including Gonza Tacos y Tequila, Napoli Pizza and The Cow and The Oak, and a bicycle obstacle course for kids from Bikin’ Dads.

Matthew Snee was recognized as the top fundraising individual, collecting more than $7,500 in donations to support cancer research, with Robin Beltowski closely behind with more than $6,000. The top fundraising team was Duke Cancer Institute. Duke’s riders raised nearly $20,000, and Team Beltowski was closely behind with more than $18,500. Fundraising for this year’s event continues until June 18, 2019.

“This is my second Victory Ride, and it was an amazing experience,” said Snee. “It was an honor to be out there with hundreds of other cyclists raising money for such an important cause. I can’t wait to do it again next year!”

The V Foundation would like to thank its partners for helping to put on the ride, including presenting partner Braswell Family Farms, CBS 17, iHeart Media Raleigh, Spectrum News, Core Compete, Docker, Stratacent and others.

“The Victory Ride was such a great event,” said Trey Braswell, President of Braswell Family Farms. “It’s so encouraging to see people show up to support the fight. So many of us at Braswell Family Farms have been impacted by cancer in some way. Braswell Family Farms is so grateful to partner with the V Foundation and have an opportunity to give back with our time, treasure and talent to push back on the darkness of cancer.” For more information about the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, please visit www.thevictoryride.org. Follow the Victory Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TheVictoryRide.

George Hincapie Announced as Grand Marshal of the Second Annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer

The V Foundation for Cancer Research’s Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, a one-day charity cycling event benefiting the V Foundation in Raleigh, NC, will have special guest, 17-time Tour de France competitor George Hincapie as the Grand Marshal of the second annual ride. Hincapie will lead the first wave of riders as they depart from NC State University’s Centennial Campus on Saturday, May 18.

“I’m excited to be a part of the second annual Victory Ride. Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way, whether personally or through a friend or loved one,” stated Hincapie. “The work that the V Foundation does to support cancer research is crucial to the fight against this disease, and I’m proud to be a part of the ride.”

Hincapie is a veteran professional road cyclist who competed in 17 Tours de France and five consecutive Olympic Games. He was the lead rider for Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contado and Cadel Evans. Hincapie brought home victories in a record 17 Ronde van Vlaaderen races, is a three-time U.S. National Road Race champion and placed the highest of any American in Paris-Roubaix. As Grand Marshal of the Victory Ride, Hincapie will address the first wave of riders as they depart and lead the riders out of Centennial Campus.

“It will be an absolute honor and privilege to share our local familiar roads with such an iconic cycling legend as George Hincapie,” said David Macdonald, Victory Ride participant. “This is especially wonderful given the occasion and cause of the Victory Ride, rain or shine this is an opportunity not to miss!”

In addition to his presence at the ride, Hincapie will attend a VIP reception the night prior to the ride for top fundraisers and partners. Victory Ride participants raise a minimum of $250 to help achieve Victory Over Cancer® through the V Foundation, with one hundred percent of rider-raised funds directed to cancer research. The Victory Ride benefits Duke Cancer Institute, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as breakthrough cancer research nationwide.

The V Foundation has awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity. For more information about the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer or to register for the ride, please visit www.thevictoryride.org. Follow the Victory Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheVictoryRide and through #TheVictoryRide.

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