Tags: News|Press Release

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announced the 2019 V Foundation Wine Celebration has raised more than $7 million during a full weekend of events in the Napa Valley. The 2019 total included $5 million in “Fund-A-Need” donations to support the V Foundation’s Canine Comparative Oncology program. This innovative grant-making program accelerates research by working with cancer centers and veterinary colleges nationwide to compare the cancers that beloved pets get with the cancers that humans get to learn more about the disease and to develop better treatments, care and progress for both human and pet patients.

“I am incredibly humbled and proud to be part of this amazing team,” said Chairwoman Julie Maples. “The V Foundation is truly a source of inspiration and generosity. In the words of Jim Valvano, we will ‘never give up’ as we continue to raise funds to support cancer research and programs.”

During the Wine Celebration Gala, the V Foundation announced a collaboration with Morris Animal Foundation that will support this groundbreaking research to advance the field of canine comparative oncology. Morris Animal Foundation announced a $1 million challenge in support of research tied to the Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. The collaboration will focus on genomic sequencing that will allow for significant progress in understanding the genetic aspects of cancers. This information will additionally help advance human cancer research efforts.

Hosted by Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, Duke University men’s basketball coach and V Foundation Board Member, the three-day signature fundraising event included intimate winery luncheons and dinners, live entertainment, live and silent auctions, and a cancer research symposium. The event attracted attendees from all over the country to the Napa Valley to benefit the V Foundation’s efforts in achieving Victory Over Cancer®.

A highlight of this year’s event was the live auction gala with dozens of incredible lots up for bid. The evening’s top lot featured a VIP experience to the sold-out Eagles “Hotel California” concert in Las Vegas, hosted by Beth Nickel, proprietor of Nickel & Nickel Winery, the gala host winery. Other top lots featured assistance from celebrity attendees. V Foundation Board Member, NBA Hall of Famer, champion and 10-time all-star David “The Admiral” Robinson, offered up cooking classes for four at the Culinary Institute of America campus in San Antonio, agreeing to double the lot after spirited bidding came down to two lucky winners. Similarly, culinary host for the weekend’s gala, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse doubled his lot of a Carnivale Du Vin weekend in New Orleans for four lucky couples, complete with two, 3-liter bottles of Emeril’s AldenAlli pinot noir. Over 25 lots brought in $2 million dollars at the culmination of the weekend’s festivities.

One of the most memorable moments of the gala occurred when Coach K asked the cancer survivors in the room to stand, proclaiming them winners to thunderous applause.

“The V Foundation Wine Celebration continues its tremendous legacy of uniting generous supporters and world-class vintners,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “Through a team of dedicated individuals and organizations, we’ve once again come together to raise essential funds to help us move toward Victory over Cancer^®!”

In its 26 years, the V Foundation has awarded more than $225 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Twenty-six years ago, the diagnosis and prognosis related to cancer were not as optimistic as today. Because of research, there are earlier diagnoses, a better understanding of what causes some cancers, more positive prognoses of some cancers, and therapies designed to kill cancer while preserving the patient’s overall health. The V Foundation distributes research grants for all types of cancer to the most promising scientists nationwide through a competitive process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. The 22nd annual V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held on August 6-9, 2020.

For more information about the 2019 Wine Celebration, please visit winecelebration.org.

The Sports Humanitarian Awards presented by ESPN and sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, returns for its fifth year on Tuesday, July 9, at L.A. LIVE’s The Novo. The evening celebrates the impact made by athletes, teams and sports industry professionals who use the power of sports to make a difference in their communities and throughout the world.

New to this year’s program is the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award, which will celebrate the legendary sports icon’s commitment to leadership and service, and honor high school and college-aged students who, like Billie Jean King, use sports to improve their communities. Honorees will either receive a college scholarship or direct a grant to an eligible nonprofit aligned with their work.

“For decades, Billie Jean King has used her platform to champion equality and create change,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN. “We’re thrilled to honor her incredible legacy and inspire and celebrate a new generation who will be taking on the role of leaders in their communities through sports.”

The event will also feature the Sports Sustainability Leadership Award to recognize an organization that is leveraging the power of sports to make a positive impact on the environment.

The complete award line-up includes:

• Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award
• Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year
• Corporate Community Impact Award
• League Humanitarian Leadership Award
• Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Awards
• Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award
• Sports Sustainability Leadership Award

Highlights of the evening will be showcased during a one-hour special on ESPN, July 18, at 7 p.m. ET.

All net proceeds of the event will benefit the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation. In support of the V Foundation and their commitment in funding research to stop cancer, Bristol Myers-Squibb will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Sports Humanitarian Awards for its third consecutive year.

Additionally, ESPN will make donations on behalf of all honorees. To date, $7.5 million has been donated to the community on behalf of the Sports Humanitarian Awards.

About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts 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.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale are pleased to announce the 14^th Annual Dick Vitale Gala raised more than $4.3 million for pediatric cancer research. Held in Sarasota, Fla., the Gala hosted hundreds of supporters and celebrities to further groundbreaking advancements in childhood cancer research while celebrating this year’s Gala honorees. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in American children. Throughout the years, the V Foundation has awarded more $40 million to benefit pediatric cancer research.

“Once again, we are so excited about the enthusiasm for the Gala to raise funds for pediatric cancer research,” said Dick Vitale. “We had an outstanding cast of honorees this year, with Dabo Swinney, Avery Johnson and Chris Fowler and our John Saunders V Foundation Courage Award recipients Lee Corso and Holly Rowe.  There were so many inspirational stories we heard at this event. It was a very special night to fundraise for kids battling cancer.”

This year’s sold-out event honored ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler, former NBA and College Head Coach and NBA Championship player Avery Johnson and Clemson University Football Head Coach Dabo Swinney.

Vitale continues to recruit celebrities in the fight against cancer, drawing dozens of stars to Sarasota for the event. Personalities in attendance included Auburn University Men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl; Florida State University Men’s Basketball Coach Leonard Hamilton; North Carolina State University Men’s Basketball Coach Kevin Keatts; and University of Georgia Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Crean. Other notable personalities in attendance included V Foundation Board Member and former ESPN President George Bodenheimer; V Foundation Board Member and member of Jim’s 1983 National Championship Team Dereck Whittenburg; ESPN talent Dan Shulman; former Notre Dame Men’s Basketball Coach and ESPN announcer Digger Phelps; and sportswriter Bob Ryan.

“Progress in children’s cancer research gets tremendous fuel due to Dick and Lorraine Vitale’s passion,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “Every family touched by pediatric cancer should gain great hope knowing they are on the case!” 

During the Gala, Vitale, Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN President, and the V Foundation announced a grant to be named in memory of Tyler Trent. The grant will be funded through a joint effort with Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc). CKc added $100,000 to the funds raised by the V Foundation through a two-week #MatchforTyler campaign. The grant will support research in the area of adolescent and young adult cancers in remembrance of Trent’s “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”® spirit.

“This special evening, led by Dick and Lorraine Vitale, is a wonderful reflection of the spirit and culture of ESPN,” said Pitaro. “The honorees and the stories of courage and hope are inspiring and memorable, and at the same time, millions of dollars were raised for critically important pediatric cancer research. As a proud V Foundation Board member, I’m fortunate to personally witness how incredibly impactful the collaborative, year-round efforts of ESPN and the Foundation truly can be.”

Vitale also recognized two special guests with the John Saunders V Foundation Courage Award. ESPN talents Holly Rowe and Lee Corso were honored for their dedication to raising awareness and funds for cancer research. The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 million to 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 Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum charity.

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 more than $38,000 in conjunction with the 2019 United Airlines NYC Half marathon on March 17. This year marked the 14^th anniversary of the United Airlines NYC Half, with 24,659 finishers. Proceeds earned by Team V members will fund premier cancer research nationwide through the V Foundation.

The team was comprised of 16 members, and the fundraising leaders were Sherrie Mazur and her brother Amir Gorji, who together raised more than $13,000. They ran in memory of their aunt and grandfather, who both died from cancer. Shannon DeCock, another Team V member, ran in memory of her father who passed away from lung cancer in February.

“I don’t know what’s more exciting, dashing through the streets of New York with 25,000 running mates or raising dollars and awareness to take down cancer, in my own small way,” said Mazur. “Having my brother, Amir, take his first foray into fundraising and distance running alongside me is an absolute highlight!”

Since 2005, the United Airlines NYC Half has been showcasing New York City’s historic landmarks, popular parks and diverse neighborhoods through its one-of-a-kind running experience. Runners went on a journey from Prospect Park in Brooklyn to Central Park in Manhattan, passing over the Manhattan Bridge and by the Lower East Side, United Nations Headquarters, Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park and Times Square. Each Team V member made a minimum fundraising commitment of $1,250.

“My dad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer shortly before I joined Team V and passed away in the middle of my training,” said DeCock. “No words can describe this loss, but it has also left me more inspired. By raising money for the V Foundation and running in his memory, I hope I can help others avoid the pain he endured. It’s one thing I can do to help make an impact.”

The V Foundation is an official charity partner of the iconic 2019 TCS New York City Marathon this November. Since 2014, Team V has raised more than $2.75 million for the V Foundation through endurance events across the country, including the TCS New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon and the Tobacco Road Marathon & Half Marathon. The TCS New York City Marathon is a bucket-list race through all five boroughs of the city.

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge research, 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 register for Team V, please visit www.jimmyv.org/teamv or email [email protected] to inquire about spots on the team.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, together with the Goldberg Family Foundation and Gray Foundation are pleased to announce that they are jointly funding promising new research into treatments for BRCA cancers.

The grant, co-funded by these three groups, will be made to a team at the University of California, San Francisco’s Center for BRCA Research, and will support further research into PARP inhibitors – a promising area for treatment of BRCA cancers. The research will investigate strategies to enhance the effectiveness of PARP inhibitor therapy, including combining it with other treatments like cancer immunotherapy.

These Foundations have been partnering to co-fund select grants related to BRCA research since 2016, in addition to their own work on BRCA and other cancers. The Goldberg Family Foundation has recently entered into a long-term partnership with the V Foundation and together will raise essential funds through the BRCA initiative, with an initial goal of $5 million over five years.

“Our partnership with the V Foundation and the Gray Foundation has been a wild success and we are thrilled to continue it,” said Evan Goldberg, member of the V Foundation’s Board of Directors.  “Moving forward, the focus of our energies will be supporting the BRCA initiative at the V Foundation in order to eliminate the threat of BRCA cancers.”

BRCA stands for BReast CAncer susceptibility gene. When functioning normally, these genes help the body prevent cancer. When the genes are mutated, they can become markers of higher risk for certain cancers. While BRCA gene mutations were first noted to cause higher rates of breast and ovarian cancer, research has found that the BRCA mutations can trigger a variety of cancers in women and men.

“We are delighted that the Goldberg Family Foundation has teamed up with the V Foundation to serve as a grant-making partner, and that the Gray Foundation is co-funding this important research,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation.”

“PARP inhibitors have proven benefit in treating cancers linked to BRCA1, BRCA2 and related genes” said Alan Ashworth, Ph.D., FRS, President of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We are immensely grateful to the three foundations for granting this award and helping us extend the range of patients that can be treated with these drugs and improve the duration of the responses.”

Evan Goldberg, a member of the V Foundation’s Board of Directors, and his wife Cindy launched the BRCA Foundation in 2016 to bring about new therapies, cures and preventative treatments for those carrying hereditary BRCA gene mutations. Over the years, the BRCA Foundation has awarded $15 million for BRCA research.

Mindy and Jon Gray established the Basser Center for BRCA at the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center in 2012. The Basser Center was named in honor of Faith Basser, Mindy’s sister who died of ovarian cancer.  The Grays have given more than $75 million to support the Basser Center, as well as to fund BRCA-related research at a number of other leading cancer institutions.

“We are thrilled to join with the V Foundation and Goldberg Family Foundation to co-fund this exciting research,” said Mindy and Jon Gray, founders of the Gray Foundation. “Each of our organizations has made great progress in advancing research and awareness of BRCA cancers, and by collaborating to fund promising projects like this, we hope we can bring even more attention and support to the area.”

The V Foundation has awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge cancer research and awarded $9.5 million for BRCA related 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 V Foundation for Cancer Research and BRCA or to make a donation, please visit www.brca.jimmyv.org. 

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and the Bridgeman Charitable Group, Inc. are excited to announce the V Foundation as a national charitable beneficiary for the Trifecta Gala, the Premier Kentucky Derby Eve Celebrity Charity Gala. The Trifecta Gala will be held on May 3 at the YUM! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, where proceeds will benefit cancer research funded nationwide through the V Foundation, as well as local charities.

“It is an honor and a privilege for the Trifecta Gala to join forces with the V Foundation. There is not a person we know who has not been or will be affected by cancer,” said Eden Bridgeman. “Our hope is that we can inspire people to help us find a cure for cancer.”

The Bridgeman family brings a spirit of giving to Derby weekend, incorporating both world-class entertainment and impactful philanthropy. The Trifecta Gala is an official partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival and the private dinner and party provides attendees with an up-close experience with legendary musical entertainment. The V Foundation has awarded grants in Kentucky for leukemia, prostate and lung cancers.

“The V Foundation is honored to be selected as the charitable partner for the Trifecta Gala,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “We are grateful to the Bridgeman family and all of the special guests and donors who share our passion for ending cancer forever. What an incredible evening this will be on the eve of the Derby!”

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 about the V Foundation or to donate, please visit jimmyv.org. For more information about the Trifecta Gala, please visit trifectagala.com.  

About the Trifecta Gala

The Trifecta Gala presented by the Bridgeman Charitable Group is an annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser benefiting various charitable organizations.  For the past 18 years, retired NBA guard Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman and his family have hosted the most exclusive events during the Kentucky Derby weekend, drawing the likes of notable celebrities, influencers, top-athletes, as well as international CEOs and chairmen from diverse industries.  Each year, The Trifecta Gala celebrates the Derby while raising funds for specific charities pledging to make the world a better place through an evening to remember.  For more information on The Trifecta visit trifectagala.com.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is pleased to announce it awarded $25 million for cutting-edge cancer research in 2018 – bringing the total amount the Foundation has awarded in 25 years to more than $225 million. The V Foundation’s world-class Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of outstanding researchers from prominent cancer centers, oversees the grant-making process to ensure proposals meet the highest standards of scientific merit and the best scientists are funded nationwide to change the landscape of cancer.

In 2018, the V Foundation awarded 28 V Scholar Grants, designed to identify and advance innovative young scientists establishing their research careers. V Scholar Grants are $200,000, two-year commitments, providing the most promising researchers a competitive edge to earn additional funding from other sources. In connection with two of the V Foundation’s focus areas, four V Scholar Grants will fund pediatric cancer research, and one is funded through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. V Scholars supported through the Stuart Scott Fund are early career investigators who are either minority themselves or working to solve health challenges faced by minorities with cancer. V Scholar grant-funding areas included research for cancers of the lung, brain, prostate, endometrium, breast and skin, among others.

“I’m excited about the cutting-edge tools my new lab is using to understand the biology of lymphomas that can’t be cured with current therapies,” said Russell Ryan, M.D., recipient of the 2018 Abeloff V Scholar Grant, which is the highest-rated proposal evaluated by the Scientific Advisory Committee. “With early funding from the V Foundation, I can move quickly to invest in the research that I hope will benefit future lymphoma patients.”

The V Foundation awarded 17 Translational Grants in 2018. These grants fund projects to bring cancer research from the bench to the bedside. Translational Grants are awards of $600,000 spread out over three years. One of these grants was funded through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, and five are funding pediatric cancer research. Translational Grants awarded through the Stuart Scott Fund support research dedicated to the aggressiveness, therapeutic responsiveness and ultimate outcomes experienced by cancer patients from diverse ethnic populations. 

The V Foundation awarded nine grants within the Robin Roberts Cancer Survivorship Fund initiative. These projects are translational in nature and seek to improve the lives of cancer survivors through research to avoid or minimize toxicities from current cancer treatments that negatively impact a survivor’s ability to thrive. One of the survivorship grants was funded through the Stuart Scott Fund.

“The V Foundation continues to support the best and brightest young cancer scientists at a critical time as they initiate their careers,” said Robert C. Bast, Jr., M.D., V Foundation Board Member and Chair of the V Foundation Scientific Committee. “Over the years, we have helped to launch and retain more than 300 of the most promising young investigators. We are also facilitating the translation of the most innovative ideas from the laboratory to the clinic and back, accelerating progress toward eliminating cancer as a threat to us all.” 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.

ESPN’s 12th annual V Week for Cancer Research set a new record, helping raise more than $8.3 million for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. That represents an 83% year-over-year increase.

“The 2018 V Week was ESPN’s most successful year yet. We are honored to share stories of determination and perseverance from sports fans such as Purdue alumni, Tyler Trent who helped raise much needed funds for innovative cancer research,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “We’re so appreciative of the continued support from the teams, leagues, corporate sponsors and ESPN fans who rally around the cause.”

“V Week provides extraordinary visibility to the V Foundation and our quest to end cancer,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. “And critically, ESPN is tireless in helping us raise funds for research to make that happen. Our deepest thanks goes to every single person at ESPN, every fan, and every sponsor. Together, we can beat cancer!”

This year ESPN engaged new partners and created innovative fundraising and awareness-building campaigns, which ran from Nov. 27 – Dec. 8, which educated fans on the importance of cancer research including:

• Kicks to Beat Cancer: ESPN commentators and professional athletes put their signed and game-worn “kicks” to good use by donating 24 sneakers to auction on eBay in support of the V Foundation. The sneakers that raised the most money came from Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving.
• Craig Sager Style Day: In honor of famed sports reporter Craig Sager, who lost his battle with cancer in 2016, NBA athletes and coaches, as well as on-air commentators from ESPN, NBA on TNT and NBA TV wore jackets and clothing that captured his signature style during the two-day Craig Sager Style Day. Two of Sager’s one-of-a-kind jackets were auctioned off.
• WeRateDogs “h*ck cancer”: ESPN teamed with WeRateDogs to drive awareness to V Foundation’s canine comparative oncology initiative. Custom h*ck cancer merchandise was featured in social media and online with a percentage of sales benefitting the V Foundation and followers posted heartfelt stories of their dogs being affected by cancer.
• Overwatch League 2019 Season Preview: Close to one million Overwatch fans streamed a preview of the upcoming season which included exclusive schedule reveals, new team roster analysis and a state-of-the-league update from commissioner Nate Nanzer — all accompanied with V Foundation messaging.

Additionally, this fall, ESPN created the Tyler Trent Fund at the V Foundation for Cancer Research to support cancer research for Adolescents and Young Adults. Tyler Trent, a Purdue University student who was battling osteosarcoma, a particularly rare and aggressive form of bone cancer, captured the hearts of America when his story was featured across many ESPN shows. He fought great obstacles through his perseverance and determination, and was inspired by Jim Valvano’s rally cry, “Don’t Give Up.”. Tyler, who lost his battle this month, wished to make the biggest impact in the fight against cancer so that other young cancer patients and their families do not have to go through the agony his family went through.  ESPN will continue to raise money for the Tyler Trent Fund.

Over the past 12 years, V Week fundraising has totaled over $30 million for cancer research.

About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts 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.