Coach K took the stage for the 11th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration raising a total of $2.25 million for critical cancer research. The event, a signature fundraiser for The V Foundation, has raised more than $32 million in the Napa Valley. Gathered under a gossamer blue and green tent accented by hundreds of orchids in the courtyard of  Nickel & Nickel winery, 440 guests were treated to an inspiring speech by Duke Coaching Legend Mike “K” Krzyzewski who shared his personal experiences at the 2008 Olympics, and fond memories  of his friend Jim Valvano, urging everyone in the room to bid big,  “...because cancer doesn’t recognize a recession.” He reminded  everyone that the time to step up is when a team is challenged. 

“Clearly it’s a challenging year for fundraising,” shares Bob Lloyd, Chairman of The V Foundation. “But we have an incredible team, and it’s a pretty powerful thing to be able to tell people that every cent of their donation will be applied directly to cancer research. Jim said,  “Don’t give up…don’t ever give up,” and come what may, until we’ve uncovered a cure we won’t.  After a decade of that kind of commitment, our donors know we’re very serious and are willing to come back and pledge their support.”  and coMe they did! Returning after an Olympic Gold Medal win in Beijing, popular Wine Celebration host, and Head Coach of Men’s Basketball at Duke University Mike Krzyzewski

Mike Krzyzewski and his wife Mickie joined celebrity guests, Steve Bornstein, President and Chief Executive Officer of the NFL Network, Donna Orender, President, WNBA, Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns, Mike Tirico of Monday Night Football and NBA Basketball, Mike Fratello TNT NBA basketball color commentator, Steve Lavin, former UCLA coach and ESPN commentator, Lou Holtz, former Notre Dame coach and current ESPN/ABC commentator, and Lesley Visser, the first woman to receive the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Peter Rozelle Radio- Television Award.

The two day event featured elegant dinners at Caymus Vineyards, Del Dotto Vineyards, Frank Family Vineyards, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Rudd Winery & Vineyards and Vineyard 29, and culminated in a glorious gala at Nickel & Nickel Winery with a private performance by The Pointer Sisters.

“Mutual commitment helps overcome the fear of failure —
especially when people are part of a team sharing and achieving goals.”

— Mike Krzyzewski