Tags: Press Release

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to launch its “Raise Your Paw” campaign at American Kennel Club, Inc. (AKC®) Meet the Breeds® this weekend. Raise Your Paw encourages awareness of canine cancer and how vet schools and leading cancer centers can work together to make advancements against cancer to benefit pet dogs and humans. AKC, the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health and training information for dogs, has made a $25,000 donation to fund canine comparative oncology research. Canine comparative oncology explores similarities and differences between human and canine cancers.

“The health and well-being of all dogs is a core tenet of our AKC Mission,” said Dennis B. Sprung, President and CEO of AKC. “We are proud to make this donation to the V Foundation and to assist in moving canine comparative oncology research forward.”

In the United States, over 1 million companion dogs are treated for cancer each year. Dogs and humans are 85% genetically similar and share the same environment – including air, water and pollutants. This creates an opportunity to accelerate research in canine comparative oncology to help pet dogs and humans beat cancer.

“Comparative oncology gives us all a chance to help our dogs and human family members fight cancer,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “The V Foundation is delighted to work with our friends at AKC to ask our constituents to ‘Raise Your Paw’ to end cancer.”

The V Foundation will attend AKC Meet the Breeds® on January 25-26 in New York and launch its “Raise Your Paw” campaign. Attendees are encouraged to visit the V Foundation’s booth at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center to learn more about canine comparative oncology and to celebrate their pet through an interactive display. Social media users can share a photo of their pet raising a paw with the hashtag #RaiseYourPaw.

AKC Meet the Breeds® is a family-friendly educational event that gives animal lovers the unique opportunity to meet and play with hundreds of dogs while learning about responsible pet ownership. For additional information about this event, please visit www.akc.org.

For more information about canine comparative oncology or to make a donation to the V Foundation’s research efforts, please visit v.org/raiseyourpaw.

About the American Kennel Club

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org. Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AKCDogLovers.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research’s annual fundraiser, The V Wine Celebration, garnered more than $5 million for cancer research August 4-7. With a $500,000 matching grant from the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the total included more than $2 million in “fund-a-need” donations to support prostate cancer research.

Hosted by CBS and HBO sports commentator and V Foundation board member Lesley Visser, the event brought attendees from all over the country to Napa Valley to benefit the Foundation’s efforts to support cutting-edge cancer research at major institutions. Over the past 17 years, The V Wine Celebration has raised more than $68 million, and funds have helped the Foundation provide 600 cancer research grants nationwide. Visser reminded the audience, “It comes down to one sentence: Dollars equal research equal cure.”

The V Wine Celebration weekend included a series of events. Friday night, guests attended intimate winery dinners at B Cellars, Odette Estate, Staglin Family Vineyard and Vineyard 7 & 8. Also on Friday, members of the Giving Club attended the Presidents Club & Vintner Grant Honoree Luncheon, sponsored by Bentley Motors at Raymond Vineyards, where the Vintner Grant honorees and owners of Vineyard 7 &8, Launny and Weezie Steffens, were recognized for their continued support of The V Foundation. Both cancer survivors, Launny credited their health with catching it early and recommended early screening. He also said, he had “been told by a lot of doctors we talked to that the excessive amount of red wine we drink was probably helpful.” The V Foundation announced it will make a grant in the Steffens’ name to The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai, to help launch a research study on prostate cancer.

The weekend’s activities culminated with a gala dinner and live auction Saturday night at Nickel & Nickel, which has served as home of The V Wine Celebration for the last 12 years. The gala kicked off with a tribute video celebrating the powerful and passionate acceptance speech by Jimmy Valvano that has inspired millions. George Bodenheimer, retired president and executive chairman of ESPN, recognized V Foundation president emeritus (and Jimmy Valvano’s brother) Nick Valvano in the audience and introduced a video of Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he was at the Olympics. And special guest speaker, football legend and sportscaster Joe Theismann spoke about his friend Jim Valvano and why he supports The V Foundation. To this day, Theismann carries a copy of Valvano’s speech in his briefcase.

V Foundation CEO Susan Braun announced a collaboration with the Prostate Cancer Foundation, whose president and CEO, Dr. Jonathan Simons, an internationally recognized physician-scientist, oncologist and acclaimed investigator in translational prostate cancer research, kicked off the fund-a-need with a $500,000 matching grant. Braun also announced a $400,000 grant from T.K. and Ginger Wetherell, which has already been dedicated to research targeting cancer, including prostate, with genetically engineered poliovirus at Duke University Medical Center. Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry, which contributed more than $125,000 this year, also pledged a $500,000 commitment over the next five years to The V Foundation.

For more information about the 2016 event, call 707-963-0611 or visit winecelebration.org. The 19th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held August 3-6, 2017.

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 basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $150 million in cancer research grants nationwide. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from events support all the work of The V Foundation. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit jimmyv.org.

ABOUT THE V FOUNDATION WINE CELEBRATION

The V Foundation Wine Celebration is a world-class wine event and auction benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Set in Napa Valley, the heart of California Wine Country, this annual special event brings together 500 prominent members of the sports broadcasting, entertainment, media, lifestyle, technology, investment, medical and winemaking worlds to raise money to fund vital research in the fight against all types of cancer. The V Wine Celebration has helped fund 600 research programs at medical and research facilities across the country. Dedicated to giving back to the generous Napa Valley and surrounding communities that have so enthusiastically embraced it, the Foundation has included many Bay Area institutions among its grantees, including St. Helena Hospital, Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, Stanford University and UC San Francisco. Founded by Julie Allegro, The V Foundation Wine Celebration has grown to be to one of the top-rated charitable auctions in the country. For more information on The V Foundation Wine Celebration, please visit winecelebration.org.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale are honored to announce a pediatric cancer research grant in memory of John Saunders, one of ESPN’s most visible and versatile commentators.  Together, Vitale and Saunders were founding members of The V Foundation’s Board of Directors and remained devoted supporters since the Foundation’s inception in 1993.  Next year, at the Dick Vitale Gala, Vitale will honor his friend by raising funds for the John Saunders Grant for Pediatric Cancer Research.

“John Saunders has been a vital force at the Dick Vitale Gala for the past 11 years,” said Vitale.  “For 10 of those years, he served as the emcee and has been very important in our efforts that have raised more than $18.1 million for pediatric cancer research.  John would spend time each year with our All Courageous Team of cancer survivors at the gala.  We have established the John Saunders Grant for Pediatric Cancer Research in his honor.  It is our goal, as a tribute to John, to raise money to assist youngsters in their battle against cancer.  We need your help. Please donate now.”

As colleagues at ESPN, Vitale and Saunders became close with Jim Valvano and have helped sustain the legendary NC State University basketball coach’s legacy by supporting The V Foundation and its mission to end cancer.  In addition to the annual Dick Vitale Gala, Vitale and Saunders spearheaded and participated in many of The V Foundation’s events and initiatives to raise funds for pediatric cancer research.  The V Foundation has awarded nearly $20 million in pediatric cancer research grants to institutions nationwide since 1993, including almost $5 million in childhood cancer research grants awarded last year. They are making a significant impact in finding cures for the leading cause of death by disease among American children.

“We are so saddened at the passing our friend, colleague and fellow cancer research advocate. John will be missed every day by friends, family and fans around the world, but he will never be forgotten,” said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation.  “We are establishing this grant in his honor to help children with cancer. Our Scientific Advisory Committee will select a V Scholar grantee from a review of the best pediatric cancer researchers in the country. John will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of young cancer patients.”

The John Saunders Grant for Pediatric Cancer Research will be announced at the 12th Annual Dick Vitale Gala on May 12, 2017, in Sarasota, Fla.  Following a record-breaking fundraising event this year, the 2017 Gala will honor the University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach Brian Kelly, West Virginia University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Huggins and longtime ESPN anchor Chris Berman.  The V Foundation proudly awards 100% of net proceeds of events and direct donations to cancer research.

To contribute to the John Saunders Grant for Pediatric Cancer Research, please visit www.jimmyv.org/saunders.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce that Bristol-Myers Squibb’s 2018 Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer riders raised nearly $700,000. Bristol-Myers Squibb matched all funds, for a total of more than $1.3 million for cancer research through the V Foundation. More than 100 Bristol-Myers Squibb employees participated in the three-week, cross-country bike ride, covering nearly 3,000 miles from Cannon Beach, OR, to Long Branch, NJ.

“We share the V Foundation’s mission of achieving Victory Over Cancer® and believe that continuing to advance cancer research, like the important work of the V Foundation, is critical,” said rider Johanna Mercier, head, U.S. and Large Markets, Worldwide Commercial, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “All of us who rode in Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer this year were inspired by our own loved ones impacted by the disease and the goal of helping all people with cancer live longer, more active lives.”

Tonight, during the 24^th annual Jimmy V Classic, part of ESPN’s V Week, Bristol-Myers Squibb representatives will present a check to the V Foundation for $1,350,000. Thanks to ESPN’s longtime partnership with the V Foundation, ESPN shared the exciting fundraising initiative.

“After losing my mother to cancer and being diagnosed myself, it was important for me to join the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride,” said rider Julie Haag. “But I didn’t just ride for my mom and myself – I rode for all cancer patients – pushing myself to raise money for cancer research and hopefully help improve the lives of all those impacted by this terrible disease.”

The Bristol-Myers Squibb employees who participated in the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride were largely novice cyclists and trained extensively to prepare for the cross-country relay, during which each rider covered approximately 225 miles in three days, inspired to help achieve Victory Over Cancer®. Between training and the ride, cyclists rode the equivalent of more than 6.5 times around the world. Some of the riders are cancer survivors, while others rode for loved ones affected by the disease. Throughout the ride, participants stopped in cities across the country to hear from researchers.

“It was so inspirational to be with the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer team as they took off from the Pacific and then again when they arrived at the Atlantic,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “Each rider was so engaged and gave so much to make the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride a success and a true commitment to Victory Over Cancer®! All of us at the V Foundation are grateful to all of our friends at Bristol-Myers Squibb.”

The more than $1.3 million raised from the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride will enable the V Foundation to invest in breakthrough cancer research, including cancers that disproportionately affect minorities and cancer survivorship. Including the donations from the ride, Bristol-Myers Squibb has provided more than $6 million in charitable donations to the V Foundation to support multiple initiatives.

In its 25 years, 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 4% of cancer charities of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the 2018 Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride, please visit cancerbikeride.org.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and the V Foundation Wine Celebration will celebrate their 19th annual event August 3-6, 2017, in Napa Valley.  Hosted once again by Duke University’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski and his wife Mickie, this year’s “Fund-A-Need” will support a $6 million challenge grant that will fund emerging, high-impact research of cancers that derive from BRCA or BRCA-like mutations.  The challenge was first announced in December during the V Foundation’s launch of its $200 million capital campaign, Not a Moment to Lose. The campaign is designed to build on the momentum behind extraordinary research findings that will achieve victory over cancer.

Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration, benefitting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, has raised over $80 million for cancer research and related programs. This three-day signature series of events in stunning Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change. Experience the best culinary adventures, the most sought after wines, exciting performances, thought-provoking panels and the chance to meet amazing people from all over the country who are joining the fight along with you – the fight to find cures for cancer.

“The Wine Celebration is a combination of remarkable wine, food and people, coming together to celebrate our lives and to raise much-needed funds for cancer research,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “This year, we’re targeting research that helps us better understand why some people have a higher risk of cancer and how we can change the course of inherited risks.”

The Wine Celebration’s “Fund-A-Need” will advance the research of inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins.  The BRCA Foundation, founded by V Foundation Board of Directors member Evan Goldberg, and the Gray Foundation have each pledged $1.5 million towards the challenge grant.  With a successful match by the V Foundation to the challenge, at least $6 million will be awarded to cutting-edge research exploring why women and men with a mutated copy of either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are at a significantly increased risk of developing cancer.  Though initial studies focused on breast and ovarian cancer, new research shows the mutation also increases the risks of pancreatic cancer, male breast cancer and prostate cancer.  A subset of the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee and other experts, including Dr. Susan Domchek from the Basser Center for BRCA at the Abramson Cancer Center and Dr. Alan Ashworth from the University of California San Francisco, will award the BRCA Research Collaborative Grants to the best projects at institutions nationwide.  Members of the Scientific Advisory Committee, which is comprised of some of the nation’s leading physicians and research scientists, will discuss current advances, alternative treatments and discoveries into clinical applications during the Wine Celebration’s “Answer for Cancer Research Symposium” on August 5.

“It is a dream come true for me to see a collaboration between these three organizations,” said Goldberg. “With a stellar grant committee made up of scientists associated with each organization and a donation match that can catalyze giving to the cause, this whole effort is destined to be far greater than the sum of its parts.”

In raising $200 million by 2020 with the Not a Moment to Lose fundraising campaign, the V Foundation will strategically focus on research aimed to transform the treatment, detection and prevention of cancer.  In addition to the BRCA Research Collaborative Grants, areas of scientific research to be funded through Not a Moment to Lose include the study of prevention signals, clinical trials, immunotherapy pathways, big data collaborations and convergence projects, as well as pediatric cancer and translational research.

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

The Tobacco Road Marathon (TRM) and the V Foundation announced today that Team V, the foundation’s charity endurance fundraising platform, has made TRM their spring 2017 featured race. Team V enables runners of all levels to turn their love of running into an opportunity to raise funds for the V Foundation to pursue their goal of declaring victory over cancer.

“We are excited to join a passionate group of runners in partnership with Tobacco Road Marathon,” said Norm Bowling, V Foundation Chief Revenue Officer. “We’re pleased to offer this popular community event to Team V participants, and we look forward to helping them achieve their fitness and fundraising goals.”

The collaboration provides Team V the ability to develop their dedicated TRM running team to drive fundraising for cancer research through the V Foundation. Team V supports both local and national runners with training options. Locals have the option of training with fee-based Fleet Feet training programs. Team V will reimburse the program fees if the runners meet their individual fund raising goals. All runners have access to a training program and certified coaches.

Team V provides runners comprehensive fundraising support, including an on-line toolkit with a handbook, communication templates and more. Runners also receive a technical training shirt and additional swag, and a Team V tent will be at the start-finish. Runners can join Team V at www.jimmyv.org/get-involved.

“We believe our commitment to charity attracts top level associations like the V Foundation,” said Mark Dill, TRM marketing director. “TRM achieved record charitable contributions in 2016, at $127,500 and reached $631,500 in cumulative giving since 2010.  We are on target for $1,000,000 by 2019.”

The Tobacco Road Marathon and its companion half marathon will take place March 19, 2017 in Cary, North Carolina on the pine-lined American Tobacco Trail (ATT). Runners start from the USA Baseball & Thomas Brooks Park.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research is dedicated to declaring victory over cancer.  It was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $170 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses.  The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee.  For more information on the V Foundation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

The Tobacco Road Marathon Association is a non-profit organization dedicated with its sponsors to providing financial assistance to its partner charities by channeling the passions of the North Carolina Triangle area’s running community into a powerful force for good.