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The 12th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration took place August 6&7 in the Napa Valley, raising a total of more than $2.2 million for critical cancer research. The event is a signature fundraiser for legendary sportscaster and coach Jim Valvano's eponymous V Foundation, raising more than $35 million since it was first held in 1998.
As guests sipped glasses of single vineyard Nickel & Nickel Cabernet, Chairman Bob Lloyd announced that The V Foundation had reached their goal of raising $100 million dollars for cancer research. The room cheered as Duke Coaching Legend Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski joined Lloyd onstage alongside Nick Valvano, Jimmy V's brother, to pledge their support in raising the next $100 million. "Give till it hurts, you can afford it," teased Krzyzewski, who offered up a heartfelt, albeit humorous, keynote speech to kick off the evening. Local Vintner, Chicago-Area Socialite and cancer survivor Teri Kuhn spearheaded an impassioned Fund-A-Need to benefit Leukemia research. Cyril and Blakesley Chappellet were also honored with a Vintner Grant to benefit Melanoma research in honor of a cherished family friend.
Giving was the order of the day for the roughly 530 guests who assembled in the Napa Valley to enjoy private dinners and receptions, as well as an update on research advances from The V Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board, before arriving at the grand finale gala dinner and auction at Nickel & Nickel Winery. The evening was one of extraordinary generosity on all fronts, with the largest and most diverse auction catalog ever assembled for the event. "As our cause catches on, the donations have exceeded our wildest dreams," notes Julie Constantin, the Marin-based Venture Capitalist who helped create the first V Wine Celebration event more than a decade ago. Original owner of Screaming Eagle, Jean Phillips, donated a 3-liter in honor of fellow vintner and good friend, Teri Kuhn of Pillar Rock, and her battle with Leukemia. Tickets to events such at the ESPYs, the Superbowl, and courtside seats at the Duke University vs. UNC college basketball game were just a few of the outstanding auction lots offered. Popular items included a week's stay in a luxurious Maui oceanfront home, an Audi drive-and-dine experience, international vacations in Fiji, Bali, Tuscany and Argentina, and lots of fabulous wine. Spotted in the crowd were V supporters including Steve Bornstein (President of the NFL Network), Cheech Marin, Donna Orender (President of the WNBA) and Robin Roberts (Network Anchor GMA/ABC).
"Cancer touches everyone, and everyone has the power to do something about it. This group and this event are a great example of that -- we are very proud of everyone who's involved here; donors, bidders, and researchers. This weekend is always about saying thanks, and renewing our commitment to the fight. An organized team is a really, really powerful thing. I think we proved that again this year, and we'll keep doing it until we've got a cure," says Bob Lloyd, Chairman of The V Foundation. "But it doesn't mean we can't have fun doing it, right?"
The V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held again August 5 & 6, 2011, with 100% of all net proceeds and new cash donations from events applied directly to innovative cancer research grants and opportunities. For more information or tickets to the 2011 event visit www.winecelebration.org.
About The V Foundation: Since 1993, The V Foundation has raised more than $100 million, awarding cancer research grants to 92 institutions in 38 states and the District of Columbia. The V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of some of the top physicians and research scientists from prominent universities and cancer centers nationwide, assures that only the cancer research projects with the most potential are funded. Best of all, 100 percent of all new direct cash donations and net event proceeds go directly to cancer research and related programs. Recognized for its prudent fiscal management, The V Foundation has earned a top four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity evaluator, for a seventh consecutive year. Only 2% of the charities in the US have achieved this high honor.
For more information, or photos of the event, please contact Tori Wilder at 707.227.8310 or
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“Mutual commitment helps overcome the fear of failure —
especially when people are part of a team sharing and achieving goals.”
— Mike Krzyzewski |
