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The V Foundation’s Inaugural Victory Ride to Cure Cancer Unites Community

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announces the inaugural Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, held on Saturday, May 19 at NC State University’s Centennial Campus, raised more than $200,000 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 rider-raised funds supporting North Carolina’s world-class cancer research institutions, as well as breakthrough cancer research nationwide.

“We are delighted that this first-year event was such a success,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “Teaming up with the three excellent NCI-designated cancer centers in North Carolina has been an outstanding way to get the public engaged in helping all of us create Victory Over Cancer®!”

The inaugural event had nearly 500 registered riders and volunteers. The routes took riders through central North Carolina neighborhoods with distances of 30, 60, or 100 miles, as well as a one-mile family-fun ride. The post-event festival featured a beer garden sponsored by Corona Premier and local food trucks, including Gonza Tacos and Napoli Pizza. Prior to the ride, attendees heard from cancer center directors of the Victory Ride’s three mission partners – Duke Cancer Institute, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center – to learn about the great work happening right here in the area and how the funds raised will make a difference to their programs.

Dr. Michael Kastan was recognized as the top fundraising individual, collecting more than $5,500 in donations to support cancer research. The top fundraising team was Duke Cancer Institute. Their riders raised nearly $20,000. Fundraising continues until June 19, 2018.

“We are riding in honor of the many family members and friends who have been diagnosed with cancer and who have won that battle,” said Joe Turner, a member of Team Turner. “These successes are possible because of the great work that the doctors, scientists and researchers are doing to keep up the fight. A tremendous amount of progress has been made over time, and as Jim Valvano reminded us, we can never give up until we win the fight outright.”

The V Foundation would like to thank its partners for helping to put on this inaugural ride, including presenting media partner ABC11 Eyewitness News, iHeart Media Raleigh, Corona Premier and SunTrust.

The V Foundation’s signature events raise millions of dollars every year and are vital to funding more research. These events include the Wine Celebration, the Dick Vitale Gala, Virginia Vine and the Victory Ride. The V Foundation has awarded more than $200 million in cancer research grants. Among the highest-rated nonprofits by Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities, the V Foundation continues to expand its efforts in the fight against cancer with a strict adherence to sound fiscal management and transparency. The V Foundation has received consistent 4-star ratings by Charity Navigator and is among the top 4% of cancer charities evaluated.

For more information about the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, please visit www.thevictoryride.org. Information on the 2019 ride will be announced online. Follow the Victory Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TheVictoryRide.

13th Annual Dick Vitale Gala to Support Pediatric Cancer Research through the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale team up again to raise funds for pediatric cancer research at the 13^th Annual Dick Vitale Gala on May 11 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, in Florida.

For their commitment to the fight against cancer and their coaching successes, this year’s Gala will honor Michigan Football Coach Jim Harbaugh and Florida State Men’s Basketball Head Coach Leonard Hamilton, as well as Mike Greenberg, ESPN Television and Radio Star, who has published a new children’s book with all author’s proceeds benefiting the V Foundation.

The stars are joining together to support Vitale’s mission, with the appearance of all four of the NCAA Final Four Coaches National Championship Coach Jay Wright of Villanova University, Michigan University’s John Beilein, Bill Self of the University of Kansas and Porter Moser of Loyola University Chicago. Hall of Fame players David Robinson and Grant Hill will be in attendance, adding their star power to a cause that will bring more than 80 celebrities to Sarasota.

“I am ecstatic to know that all four coaches who took their teams to prominence to the Final Four in San Antonio this year have agreed to join us at our Dick Vitale Gala to help us raise dollars for kids battling cancer. I sincerely thank Coach Jay Wright, Coach John Beilein, Coach Bill Self and Coach Porter Moser, for giving their time to help us towards the cause. That means so much to so many people. Join us at my Gala; will sell out,” said Dick Vitale.

One of the V Foundation’s signature events, net proceeds from the 13^th Annual Dick Vitale Gala will fund pediatric cancer research grants awarded to leading scientists across the country under the guidance of the V Foundation’s world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. The Gala has raised more than $21 million to fund cutting-edge research to help children with cancer. A limited number of tickets are still available and start at $1,000.

For more information about the 13^th Annual Dick Vitale Gala or to purchase tickets, please contact the Dick Vitale Gala Office at 941-350-0580 or visit www.dickvitalegala.org.

The V Foundation Announces Extended Fundraising Initiatives for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce fundraising initiatives this month. Coinciding with college basketball’s championship season, Constellation Brands Beer Division, Constellation Wine and Spirits Division and Apple Gold Group will celebrate the late Jim Valvano’s “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”® spirit by offering numerous ways to involve supporters dedicated to declaring Victory Over Cancer®. Contributions from these initiatives will help the V Foundation fund the nation’s most innovative researchers.

“Having incredible partners makes such a difference in our ability to fund groundbreaking cancer research,” said Norm Bowling, the V Foundation’s Chief Revenue Officer. “Working together as a team significantly increases the amount we can raise, and that means more grants can be funded and progress can be made faster. We are truly grateful for our partnerships that work toward Victory Over Cancer®.”

This championship basketball season marks a special time for the V Foundation. Thirty-five years ago, Jim Valvano and the NC State University Wolfpack won the 1983 NCAA National Championship. Constellation Brands Beer Division and Corona have created the “Buzzer Beater Challenge” to raise awareness of the V Foundation. Participants create their own buzzer beater shot and challenge friends through social media, by following @CoronaUSA and using the hashtag #BuzzerBeaterChallenge.

In addition to the “Buzzer Beater Challenge,” Constellation Brands Beer Division’s promotion “Hoops for Hope,” marks the beginning of the eighth year of fundraising for the V Foundation. “Hoops for Hope” runs from March 1 to April 2. Constellation Brands Beer Division will make a donation to the V Foundation for each purchased case, or equivalent of a case, of Corona Extra or Corona Light. Constellation Brands Beer Division has raised more than $13 million for the V Foundation.

Constellation Wine and Spirits Division is also participating in “Hoops for Hope” in their Southeast Region. From February 1 to April 30, Constellation Wine will include point-of-sale case cards, coupons and other promotional support. Constellation Wine has committed to a $30,000 donation to the V Foundation.

Since 2006, Apple Gold Group has raised more than $1.4 million for the V Foundation through their March Hoops Fundraiser and other initiatives. Continuing this year, from March 6 to April 2, guests at 46 Apple Gold Group-owned Applebee’s restaurants across North Carolina will be invited to participate in the 12th annual March Hoops Fundraiser. For each $1 donation, fans will receive a paper basketball to decorate in the spirit of their favorite team participating in the national championship tournament.

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.

Jim Harbaugh, Mike Greenberg, Leonard Hamilton to be Honored at 13th Annual Dick Vitale Gala

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale, are proud to announce the 13^th Annual Dick Vitale Gala will be held on May 11 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota in Florida. Over the years, Vitale has been relentless in fighting to achieve victory over pediatric cancer, and the Gala has raised more than $21 million. This year’s event will honor ESPN television and radio personality Mike Greenberg, Florida State University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Leonard Hamilton and University of Michigan Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh.

“It is hard to believe that we are in the13th year of our annual Gala. This one is going to be off the charts with honorees Mike Greenberg, Leonard Hamilton and Jim Harbaugh – all dedicated to helping kids battling cancer,” said Vitale. “There will be a special tribute to two special children we’ve lost, Tony Colton and Chad Carr, during the evening. This year, we will break our record and raise over $3.5 million.”

Recruiting some of the biggest names in sports to his Gala each year, Vitale continues to build the support and momentum needed to defeat pediatric cancer. With just four percent of federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer, Vitale and the V Foundation are eager to make a significant impact in finding cures for the leading cause of death by disease in American children. Vitale leads the V Foundation’s pediatric cancer research initiative. His Gala is held each May to benefit childhood cancer research. Last year, Vitale’s event raised more than $3 million and inspired countless others to support the cause. The V Foundation has awarded $30 million in pediatric research grants.

This year, Vitale and the V Foundation are excited to honor three great sports figures. Greenberg is a member of the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame, a long-time ESPN personality and author of All You Could Ask For, a tribute to a family friend who lost a battle to breast cancer. Greenberg donates 100% of the proceeds from the novel to the V Foundation. Hamilton, the most successful men’s basketball coach in Florida State history, has led the Seminoles to 299 wins in 16 seasons, and he is a three-time National Coach of the Year. Harbaugh is a 1987 Heisman Trophy finalist, former San Francisco 49ers Head Coach and current Head Football Coach at Michigan.

“The Dick Vitale Gala lives up to Jim Valvano’s recipe for a great day: you laugh, you think and you cry,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “All this in all-star company leads to an evening of great fun—and most importantly—great help for children with cancer.”

For more information about the 13th Annual Dick Vitale Gala or to purchase tickets, please visit www.jimmyv.org/vitale.

The V Foundation Announces $7.5 Million Awarded for BRCA Mutation Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is pleased to announce the recipients of the BRCA Research Collaborative Grants, through its partnership with the BRCA Foundation and the Gray Foundation. The grants, totaling $7.5 million, will support research by: Judy Garber, M.D., MPH, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Fiona Simpkins, M.D., University of Pennsylvania; Karlene Cimprich, Ph.D., Stanford Cancer Institute; Roger Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania; and Tony Huang, Ph.D., New York University School of Medicine.

Evan Goldberg, a member of the V Foundation’s Board of Directors, and his wife Cindy launched the BRCA Foundation to bring about new therapies, cures and preventative treatments for those carrying hereditary BRCA gene mutations. Mindy and Jon Gray established the Gray Foundation in honor of Faith Basser, Mindy’s sister who died of ovarian cancer at the age of 44. The partnership has proudly exceeded its initial goal. The BRCA Foundation and the Gray Foundation pledged a combined $3 million, and the V Foundation’s Wine Celebration “Fund-a-Need” more than matched the contribution. The result is $7.5 million in funding for groundbreaking research of BRCA-related cancers.

“This research is meaningful for the specific cancers affected by the BRCA genes, as well as for a larger understanding of how specific genes affect cancer development,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “If we are to understand cancer fully – in order to cure it and to prevent it – doing outstanding research about key genetic mutations, such as those in the BRCA genes, is a key to our success. We are so grateful to the Grays and the Goldbergs for their generosity in making these grants a reality!”

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

“We are thrilled to have the support of the V Foundation and its partners to investigate a strategy that may help women with BRCA2 mutations to have an easier and safer transition to menopause after their ovaries are removed,” said Garber, who is a Professor of Medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “The project will give us an opportunity to do some beautiful science. We’ll take a novel approach to breast cancer prevention using an approved compound shown to be safe for menopause symptoms in women who are at usual breast cancer risk. If successful, the study may give women with BRCA2 mutations a safer and more effective option for managing their breast cancer risk and menopause.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the V Foundation has 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.

V Foundation for Cancer Research Opens Team V Tobacco Road Marathon Registration

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, has opened registration for Team V, it’s endurance training and fundraising team, to runners who wish to participate in the Tobacco Road Marathon & Half-Marathon on March 18, 2018, in Cary, N.C. Runners of all levels, beginners to professional athletes, are invited to register. Team V staff will provide personalized marathon training and fundraising coaching to ensure each participant is successful with racing and fundraising.

“The Tobacco Road Marathon & Half-Marathon is a gem,” said Allie Bigelow, V Foundation Fundraising Coordinator, Team V runner and former Tobacco Road participant. “The route is beautiful, mostly flat with a downhill finish, and has fantastic support along the way. Participating as a Team V member means you are running an amazing race and helping fund the nation’s best cancer researchers at the same time. It’s truly a win-win.”

To date, Team V has raised more than $2 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. Since the inaugural Tobacco Road Marathon & Half-Marathon in 2010, the race has become a popular Boston Marathon qualifier and a beloved hometown event that is also attended by runners from across the country. Team V members who meet the $700 fundraising minimum are guaranteed entry into the 2018 Tobacco Road Marathon & Half-Marathon, as well as other exclusive swag.

“My Team V family has been a constant boost of confidence,” said Jamie Lassner, TCS New York City Marathon and Tobacco Road Marathon Team V member. “The money we raise for the V Foundation is allowing incredible breakthroughs in cancer research. And the support we receive as members of the team has been great – from training to fundraising guidance. I proudly wear my Team V uniform because it is a reminder that the V Foundation goal is much bigger.”

Last December, the V Foundation announced a $200 million fundraising campaign, Not a Moment to Lose. Funds raised by Team V will be included in the campaign’s total. Areas of scientific interest to be funded include the study of prevention signals, clinical trials, pediatric cancer research, immunotherapy pathways, big data collaborations, convergence projects and translational research. Since its founding in 1993, the V Foundation has awarded more than $170 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Of that total, more than $17 million has been awarded to cancer research institutes in North Carolina.

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

The V Foundation, Robin Roberts Announce the Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a new fund in honor of Robin Roberts, a member of the V Foundation’s Board of Directors and co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” An event was held to announce the formation of the Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship Research at Blue Smoke in New York City on December 4 to an intimate group of friends and supporters of the V Foundation.

“Cancer survivorship is finally coming to the forefront. While cancer prevention and treatment are critical, helping survivors thrive is equally important,” said Roberts. “I’m thrilled to be part of the V Foundation team in making this happen.”

The event raised more than $150,000 to support translational research to improve the quality of life for oncology patients (adult or pediatric) after treatment. Supported research will include work on patient precision medicine to decrease severe adverse events, research to investigate the role of genetics in the development of cancer recurrence and research to advance early detection of recurrent and secondary cancers using innovative approaches. In addition to fundraising at the event, the V Foundation announced a grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb to fund research focused on cancer survivorship challenges.

Among those attending the event were Amy Robach, News Anchor for ABC’s “Good Morning America;” Deborah Roberts, correspondent for ABC News; Political Consultant Mary Matalin; Political Commentator James Carville; and award-winning actor Christian Hoff.

“Research has led to significant improvements in cancer treatments and more survivors than ever” said George Bodenheimer, V Foundation board member and Not a Moment to Lose campaign chair. “More than 15 million people have survived cancer in the U.S., and through the Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship Research, we will be able to focus valuable research dollars toward their unique health challenges.”

Roberts has been a longtime friend and supporter of the V Foundation and was a colleague of Jim Valvano’s at ESPN, prior to joining “Good Morning America.” In 2007, Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced her diagnosis with courage. Her ensuing battle has been recognized with honors and awards by various organizations throughout the country, including the Dick Vitale Gala in 2016. She inspired so many as she bravely shared her personal battle with the rare blood disorder myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, shortly after breast cancer.

Visit jimmyv.org/RobinRoberts to contribute to the Robin Roberts Fund for Cancer Survivorship Research.

V Foundation for Cancer Research’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 official endurance training program, raised $577,985 during its participation in the TCS New York City Marathon on November 5. This year marked the 47^th anniversary of the TCS New York City Marathon, with 50,766 finishers. Proceeds earned by Team V members will fund premier cancer research nationwide through the V Foundation.

Since 2014, Team V has raised more than $2.25 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. Once a smaller event confined to Central Park, the TCS New York City Marathon is now a bucket-list race through all five boroughs of the city. Each Team V member made a minimum fundraising commitment of $3,500 in order to participate, with additional options for higher-level fundraising. This year, Team V surpassed its goal of $275,000, a significant contribution to the more than $200 million the Foundation has awarded to cancer research and related programs.

“From the day I began fundraising, this marathon took on a different meaning for me than any other race I had participated in. The sense of the community that grew out of my involvement in Team V and support from my donors was incredible, and it sustained me throughout the long training season and all the way to the finish line,” said Team V member Howard Kra. “Running with Team V was hugely significant both to me and to so many of my donors, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to raise money for the V Foundation.”

Team V was comprised of 67 members, and it was led by Jack Daly, who raised $217,546. Daly, who has been a member of Team V previously, ran this year in honor of his wife Bonnie. The couple met 52 years ago, and Bonnie passed away earlier this month, just a week after the marathon and after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Other top fundraisers were Kra, who raised $62,975 in honor of two women in his life who battle breast and lung cancer, as well as in memory of a friend who recently lost her life to colon cancer; and from Team Neil, Marshall Silverman, who raised $21,671 and ran with Neil’s shoes over his shoulder to help him finish the race he was never able to run due to passing away from lymphoma.

The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $200 million for cutting-edge cancer research, 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 and to register for Team V, please visit www.jimmyv.org/teamv.

Panshoo, LLC Teams Up With the V Foundation for Cancer Research

Sports stars know it; super heroes know it; even furry little aliens named Farful Foolong™ know it – “Victory” can be achieved when creativity, learning and fun meet the quest for answers through research.

Panshoo, LLC, the imaginative, multimedia company sparking children’s passion for reading, writing and creative thinking, is teaming up with the V Foundation for Cancer Research to support advancements in pediatric cancer research.

The marketing and promotional campaign will support the V Foundation’s efforts to achieve victory over pediatric cancer, as well as share Panshoo’s mission to ignite children’s imagination and to think outside the box.

“We are proud to team up with the V Foundation to achieve victory over pediatric cancer,” says Nick Loren, Founder of Panshoo, LLC. “We are thrilled to expand Farful Foolong’s adventures to include the fight against childhood cancer and to show how children of all ages can make a difference.”

Panshoo’s flagship book Farful Foolong From Oolong Panshoo introduced the adorable alien, Farful Foolong, who saved his planet from Grey Bubble-Goo. Panshoo will introduce a new book, Yuckity-Uck, featuring Farful and a new character, Bubbles. Farful’s furry sidekick Bubbles, supports “Victory over the Yuckity-Uck (cancer),” which is the leading cause of death by disease among children. Learn more by visiting www.PanshooWorld.com.

“It is our hope that Panshoo’s characters Farful and Bubbles will bring joy, learning, comfort and a determined, CAN-DO attitude to children touched by cancer,” says Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “They can also help children better understand a friend or sibling with cancer and overcome some of the fear and helplessness they may feel.”

Proceeds and donations from the marketing partnership will fund pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation at jimmyv.org/panshoo. In addition to Panshoo books and merchandise, the company plans to launch live action hospital shows, book tours, a fun and educational web series, apps & video games and more.

About Panshoo, LLC

Panshoo, LLC, is the imaginative, multimedia company that sparks children’s imagination, love for reading and writing, and encourages children to think outside of the box. This multimedia company creates amazing content through books, games, products, and video, all geared to instill a love of learning and increase childhood literacy. Panshoo is the creation of actor Nick Loren, stunt double and friend to John Travolta. After showing the book to Audrey Geisel (A.K.A. – Mrs. Dr. Seuss), Nick received the following testimonial: “Farful Foolong From Oolong Panshoo … cadence resonates with a Seussian echo. Ted (Dr. Seuss) would have liked it!” Learn more about Panshoo, LLC, and why it is Where Learning & Imagination Come To Life by visiting www.PanshooWorld.com.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research Announces Inaugural Victory Ride to Cure Cancer

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce the inaugural Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, which will take place May 19, 2018, beginning in Raleigh, N.C. The V Foundation is proud to be back in the Triangle with a local event that will engage the community through participation of riders, sponsors, cancer centers, volunteers and spectators. The Victory Ride benefits Duke Cancer Institute, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as breakthrough cancer research nationwide. The V Foundation announced the cycling event today at Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar in downtown Raleigh.

“The V Foundation is proud to partner with the state’s three NCI-designated cancer centers to fund vital research,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “North Carolina is proud of its strong capabilities to unlock the mysteries of cancer and create ways to treat and cure patients. This is why the V Foundation exists – it is our mission and our passion.”

The Victory Ride to Cure Cancer will start and finish at NC State University’s On the Oval on Centennial Campus. The course takes riders through central North Carolina neighborhoods and includes 100-, 60- and 30-mile ride options, as well as a shorter Family Ride. Riders will have fundraising minimums based on their chosen distance – 100 miles, $1,000; 60 miles, $750; 30 miles, $500; and the Family Ride, $250. There will also be a virtual ride option.

The V Foundation’s signature events raise millions of dollars every year and are vital to research funding. These events include the Wine Celebration, the Dick Vitale Gala, Virginia Vine and the Victory Ride (coming in 2018). The V Foundation has awarded more than $170 million in cancer research grants. Among the highest-rated nonprofits by Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities, the V Foundation continues to expand its efforts in the fight against cancer with a strict adherence to sound fiscal management and transparency. The V Foundation has received consistent 4-star ratings by Charity Navigator and is among the top 4% of cancer charities evaluated.

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 at @TheVictoryRide and through #TheVictoryRide and #MyVictory.

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