Tag Archive for: #dontevergiveup #winecelebration #vfoundation #cancerresearch

2022 V Foundation Wine Celebration Raises $6.5 Million

NAPA VALLEY, CA (August 8, 2022) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announced the 2022 V Foundation Wine Celebration raised more than $6.5 million during a full weekend of events in the Napa Valley, with proceeds supporting early detection research.

“The V Foundation continues to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Co-chairperson Amy Marks Dornbusch. “In the last two years alone, we’ve raised over $19 million dollars through the amazing support of our sponsors, donors and our generous bidders.”

“Jim Valvano’s legacy impels us to ‘never give up’, and courage was definitely the theme this year,” added Wine Celebration founder Julie Maples.

The 2022 Wine Celebration weekend was hosted by V Foundation Board Member and Duke University’s legendary former Men’s Basketball Coach Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, and Devon Still, former NFL defensive end and 2015 Jimmy V Perseverance Award winner. From the gala dinner at Nickel & Nickel Winery, to the Answer for Cancer Symposium, ‘Rock the V’ party at The Estate Yountville and more, the event hosted over 600 guests in the heart of the Napa Valley.

A weekend highlight was the Title IX Luncheon, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the passing of the landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational institution that receives federal funding. This special event featured four elite athletes, including Olympic champion cross-country skier Kikkan Randall, former world No. 1 female billiard player Jeanette Lee, FISA world rowing champion and Olympic silver medalist Kate Johnson, and 4-time Olympian, 3-time World Championship medalist and 12-time U.S. National High Jump Champion Chaunté Lowe. All of these heralded women athletes have also courageously fought cancer and shared their compelling stories with attendees.

The live auction gala held at Nickel & Nickel Winery capped off the event, with dozens of incredible lots up for bid. The evening’s top lot was 6 Liters of Screaming Eagle in Memory of Ron Kuhn, a V Foundation Wine Celebration and Napa Valley longtime friend, dedicated supporter, and philanthropist. The gavel came down at $270,000 for this very special lot featuring a 1992 6-Liter of Screaming Eagle, one of two ever produced by world renowned vintner Jean Phillips, and one of the most prized possessions from her private cellar. The lot was purchased by Gary Jabara, new owner of the Estate Yountville, the Wine Celebration Weekend’s host headquarters.

Other auction highlights included: The Royal Treatment at Wimbledon, four tickets to Wimbledon Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Semi-Finals and Finals, lodging at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Hotel in Oxfordshire, lunch with Sarah, Duchess of York at Hundred Hills Winery, and six magnums of 2015-2017 Nickel & Nickel Branding Iron Cabernet Sauvignon and 2015-2017 Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon; An Exclusive Sanctuary & Solomon, featuring five nights at an Exclusive Resorts residence paired with a rare 18-Liter of 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the top wines in the world for that vintage; Life in the Fast Lane featuring two VIP Tickets to race weekend at Sonoma Raceway with full-access, behind-the-scenes passes, logo inclusion on NASCAR’S Trackhouse Racing team car and a tasting experiences at Gemstone Vineyard with a 1.5L 2018 Gemstone Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon signed by the Trackhouse and Gemstone teams; and Terror and Terroir, featuring two nights for six at the Caretaker’s Cottage of The Stanley Hotel (the hotel immortalized in Stephen King’s The Shining), complete with a “13 A Late-Night Séance”, a private wine dinner with John Cullen, John Steffens, and Wesley Steffens with a selection of current and library vintages from the Steffens’ Family of Wines, and a custom-etched 3L Bottle of Vineyard 7 & 8 Cabernet Sauvignon.

“The V Foundation Wine Celebration has once again raised essential funds to help us move toward Victory over Cancer®,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “We couldn’t do it without the support of our amazing staff and volunteers, united with our generous supporters and Napa Valley’s world-class vintners and talented chefs…congratulations to all!”

Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration has raised over $137 million to support the V Foundation, game-changing research and all-star scientists to accelerate victory over cancer and save lives. Currently holding 11 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, the V Foundation is among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.

The V Foundation has awarded more than $290 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Twenty-nine years ago, the diagnosis and prognosis related to cancer were not as optimistic as today. Because of research supported by the V Foundation, there are earlier diagnoses, a better understanding of what causes some cancers, more positive prognoses for 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 25th Annual Silver Anniversary V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held on August 3-6, 2023.

For more information about this year’s Wine Celebration Weekend, or to make a donation, please visit winecelebration.org. For more information about the V Foundation for Cancer Research, please visit jimmyv.org.

About the V Foundation Wine Celebration
Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration, benefitting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, has raised over $137 million for cancer research and related programs. This three-day signature series of events in the stunning Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change. For more information, please visit winecelebration.org.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more $290 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive award process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit v.org.

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(Event Images Available Upon Request)

MEDIA CONTACTS: Tom Fuller/Monty Sander
Fuller & Sander Communications
707-486-8968/707-480-8635
tom@fullerandsander.com/monty@fullerandsander.com

2022 “Rock the V” Entertainment

Due to circumstances beyond the artist’s control, Jon Batiste will be unable to perform at this year’s V Wine Celebration “Rock the V” Party and Concert, Friday, August 5, 2022.  

We were so looking forward to welcoming Jon, who was to be joined by his wife, Suleika Jaouad. Jaouad was recently diagnosed with leukemia for the second time, and we acknowledge their strength and are in their corner during this difficult time. This is another stark reminder of why this fight is so important and the critical role research plays in achieving Victory Over Cancer. 

We are pleased to confirm that we will instead be featuring musical performances by American Rock & Soul Artist: Maggie Rose with the iconic New Orleans Brass Ensemble The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, whose founding line-up included Jon’s Grandfather Lionel Batiste, and Miami’s DJ Lucian White and Multi-Media Artist Matt DiBiase known as PlexusPlay 

American Rock & Soul Artist: Maggie Rose also makes her Wine Celebration debut! After years of honing her chops and making her name as a force-of-nature vocalist, the Nashville-based singer/songwriter has dreamed up her own unbridled collision of rock-and-roll, soul, folk, funk, and R&B: a fittingly eclectic sound for a musician whose live experience includes opening for Heart and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, touring as direct support for Kelly Clarkson, and sharing the Cayamo Cruise bill with Emmylou Harris and Jason Isbell—all in 2019 alone. Maggie approaches her music with confidence and clarity of vision, ultimately sharing a selection of songs both timeless and urgent. 

In 1977, The Dirty Dozen Social Aid and Pleasure Club in New Orleans began showcasing a traditional Crescent City brass band. It was a joining of two proud, but antiquated, traditions at the time: social and pleasure clubs dated back over a century to a time when black southerners could rarely afford life insurance, and the clubs would provide proper funeral arrangements. Brass bands, early predecessors of jazz as we know it, would often follow the funeral procession playing somber dirges, then once the family of the deceased was out of earshot, burst into jubilant dance tunes as casual onlookers danced in the streets. By the late ’70s, few of either existed. The Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club decided to assemble this group as a house band, and over the course of these early gigs, the seven-member ensemble adopted the venue’s name: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. 

This year’s “Rock The V” musical entertainment will begin with the ever-popular DJ Lucian White, Miami’s own mix master, alongside PlexusPlay’s Multimedia Artist Matt DiBiase, together combining custom-curated pop-music playlists, euphoric dance music, stunning 3D animated motion graphics, and jazz synth xylophone to create a live multimedia experience unlike any other. 

We appreciate your understanding of this change in our schedule of events and we hope you will be able to join us for this game-changing weekend, dedicated to accelerating Victory Over Cancer!

Samantha Rudd To Be Honored As The Vintner Grant Honoree At The 2022 V Foundation Wine Celebration

NAPA, CA, JUNE 6, 2022 – The V Foundation Wine Celebration will honor Samantha Rudd as the 2022 Vintner Grant Honoree at a special luncheon during the Wine Celebration Weekend, August 4-7 in the Napa Valley. The Wine Celebration’s 2022 theme, “Choose Courage”, reflects acts of courage in the fight against cancer, whether as a researcher, supporter, survivor, or active fighter.  

Each year the V Foundation Wine Celebration acknowledges the efforts and support of a participating vintner by awarding a Vintner Grant in their honor. Through the Vintner Grant, the honorees are able to designate an area of focus with a cancer research grant in their name. The V Foundation is fortunate to have an accomplished Scientific Advisory Committee whose members are leaders in the cancer research field, and who are responsible for evaluating and selecting the most promising research projects to receive funding.  

In memory of her father Leslie Rudd, and due to a family history of cancer, Samantha is focusing on early detection in the fight against cancer.  

We were greatly affected by cancer when we lost my father to esophageal cancer in 2018, and three of my four grandparents also had cancer,” said Samantha Rudd. “I don’t like to say that cancer scares me as I think it is not the right approach. With all the work being done by cancer focused organizations like the V Foundation, we should all take action to do everything we can to combat this horrible disease.” 

While Samantha is honored to the 2022 Vintner Grant honoree, she feels like it should be given it to someone from the V Foundation, “They are the ones doing the hard work to raise awareness and funds to make a difference in the battle against cancer. I think the amount of courage it takes to be defeated by something and still stand in the face of it, hand in hand with others who understand the pain, is what the V Foundation community has done for so many. As the 2022 honoree it is part of my responsibility to continue to help the cause so that other daughters do not have to lose their dads to this horrible disease.”  

The 2022 Vintner Grant Luncheon will be held at Press Restaurant in St. Helena, Napa Valley.  

Samantha added, “It is a surreal feeling to host such an incredible event at the restaurant my dad founded over 15 years ago as a place to honor Napa Valley and the community he had grown to love so much. To be able to sit in a room with fellow vintners and guests impacted by cancer will be very powerful.” 

Samantha grew up on Rudd Estate where, at age eight, she decided she would do whatever it takes to care for the land and fulfill a generational promise that she made to her father — that upon taking the reins at Rudd, she would leave the Estate to the next generation better off than when she assumed leadership. Samantha remembers the lessons instilled by her mother and father through two decades of working side-by-side on the Estate as well as several years working outside of the family business learning from some of the best in the world, including Château Margaux and Spottswoode, both female run and owned winery estates. Samantha returned to Rudd in December 2015, and immediately began implementing her long-term vision, ranging from championing the Estate’s organic farming practices to fostering unlikely collaborations that seek inspiration beyond the world of fine wine.  

The V Foundation Wine Celebration, one of the top-rated charitable events in the country, has helped to fund numerous research programs at medical research institutions across the country. Each year it attracts attendees to the Napa Valley from all over to the country for a gala weekend of events and activities with a serious purpose – advancing the foundation’s efforts to support significant cancer research  

For more information on the 2022 V Wine Celebration, please visit www.winecelebration.org 

 

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About the V Foundation Wine Celebration 

Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration, benefitting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, has raised over $130 million for cancer research and related programs. This three-day signature series of events in the stunning Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change. For more information, please visit winecelebration.org. 

 

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 University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded nearly $290 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards game-changing grants through a competitive process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to donate, please visit v.org. 

 

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MEDIA CONTACTS:  Tom Fuller/Monty Sander
Fuller & Sander Communications
707-486-8968/707-480-8635
tom@fullerandsander.com/monty@fullerandsander.com 

New Co-Chair Appointment to the Annual V Wine Celebration Event

We are delighted to announce a new co-chair to our annual V Foundation Wine Celebration event!

Current board member Amy Marks Dornbusch has been named co-chair, replacing retiring founder and current board member Julie Maples. Amy joins Derek Reisinger, PHR who was appointed as co-chair in 2019.

As founder of the V Foundation Wine Celebration, we wish to extend our sincere appreciation for Julie’s remarkable service during her 23 years as chair, and over 25 years of grit and determined focus to build the event to what it is today. Julie will continue serving as a board member for both the Wine Celebration and the V Foundation. Her leadership provided a steady hand and was the inspiration that led to building the V Foundation Wine Celebration as one of the top charity wine auctions in the country, surpassing $130M raised during her time dedicated to the cause. Julie, we continue to stand #shouldertoshoulder with you, and we thank you for everything that you have accomplished and your continued impact in our efforts towards our goal of victory over cancer!

More About Amy Marks Dornbusch
Amy is the Proprietor and President of Gemstone Vineyard and oversees all operations with her Napa-based team in Yountville, California. Gemstone has produced award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon wines from its 17-acre estate vineyard for the past 25 years. Amy and her team work closely in the blending and crafting of their wines alongside their winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, who has received numerous accolades including Wine Spectator’s “Top Gun” and Food & Wine Magazine’s “Winemaker of the Year”.

Amy serves as General Partner of Willowtree Venture Fund LP, a portfolio focused on advancing early-stage consumer companies and funds disrupting all areas of the consumer space including CPG, retail, apparel, dining and hospitality. Exists have included Warby Parker, Sufferfest Beer Company and impact investment d.Light solar home systems.

In her philanthropic role as Director of the Marks Family Foundation, Amy awards risk-tolerant grants across a broad array of issue areas, but with a primary focus on giving to disease research, education and the arts. Here she is working to establish a focus area on women and girls as it relates to education and international development. As part of her philanthropy work, Amy is currently leading a project in Vietnam aimed to lower the rate of unintended pregnancies amongst youth, where the abortion rate is the highest in the world. This project is her focus as a member of The Maverick Collective, an initiative co-founded by Melinda Gates, and backed by the global NGO, Population Services International. Most recently, Amy spearheaded an initiative to evacuate a targeted list of Afghan women activists in response to the Taliban takeover, marking a viral campaign that raised over $7 Million dollars in a span of 2 weeks that led to the evacuation of nearly 1,000 women and their family members. Amy takes an active, “roll your sleeves up” approach to the various philanthropic endeavors in which she is involved.

Prior to moving back to her native California in 2013, Amy founded and operated a boutique catering and event business in New York City, which serviced the wedding, corporate and special event market. Earlier in her career, Amy led creative consulting projects for Fortune 500 clients at the world-renowned creative agency frog design, Inc.
Amy holds a B.A. degree from the George Washington University in Washington, DC and a certification of Effective Philanthropy from the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society. She currently lives in Orinda, California with her husband and three children.

Amy currently serves on the nonprofit boards of the V Foundation Wine Celebration, College Track and Project Glimmer, and for-profit boards Spa Girls Cocktails and Casa del Sol Tequila in an advisory role. Amy joined the V Wine Celebration Board in 2014; her and her family are long-time supporters of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

More About Derek Reisinger, PHR
Derek Reisinger is an Associate Vice President of Human Resources Operations and Information Systems at the University of Southern California (the largest private sector employer in the city of Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region). He is responsible for the strategy and implementation of system-wide HR operational and service support for over 28,000 employees including faculty, staff and student workers. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Derek serves as a trusted colleague to HR leadership and university stakeholders, ensuring polices process and programs are closely aligned with USC’s mission, values and goals.

Prior to joining USC in November of 2020, Derek worked at Cedars-Sinai Health System (#6 hospital in the US ranked by US News and World Report, 2021) for almost four years. His recent accomplishment there was leading the design, build and implementation of an HR Service Center and cloud-based employee-facing/self-service technologies, the cornerstone of organization’s enterprise-wide operational efficiency and enhanced services initiatives supporting over 15,000 clinical and non-clinical employees.

Derek also served as an HR leader at Warner Bros. Entertainment for nearly ten years. At Warner Bros. he was an Executive Director of HR/Employee Services for over seven years and a Director in Corporate HR/Employee Relations for two years. While at Warner Bros. he led major enterprise-wide enhanced service and technology initiatives for domestic populations. Prior to Warner Bros. Entertainment, he held key service and operational leadership roles at Safeco Insurance and Nordstrom, Inc.

In addition to his Bachelor’s in International Business, Derek possesses a professional Alternative Dispute Resolution certification from Pepperdine School of Law, Straus Institute, Professional Human Resources (PHR) from SHRM/HR Certification Institute and an International Ombuds Association Certification.

Derek grew up in the Bay Area but has lived in Los Angeles over 20 years with his wife and two children.

Derek joined the Wine Board in 2017 and has been Co-Chair since 2019. He brings not only a winning spirit and enthusiasm to the board, but also helps us thread to our original roots since our first event in 1999, where he served as an event volunteer and has remained involved with each event since then.

We are honored to work alongside you both, Amy and Derek, as One Team in pursuit of #VictoryOverCancer!

Learn more about all our board members right here.

2021 V Foundation Wine Celebration Raises $12 Million

Annual Signature Event Surpasses Fundraising Goal

NAPA VALLEY, CA (August 9, 2021) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announced the 2021 V Foundation Wine Celebration raised more than $12 million during a full weekend of events in the Napa Valley, with proceeds supporting cutting edge immunotherapy research. As part of their efforts, the V Foundation for Cancer Research has partnered with the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) to co-fund up to four Parker Bridge Fellows grants for early career researchers. The goal is to empower the most ambitious early career researchers to pursue their boldest ideas to transform the immunotherapy landscape for cancer patients.

“The V Foundation is truly a source of inspiration and generosity,” said Chairwoman Julie Maples.
“In the last two years, while we’ve continued to deal with the pandemic, we’ve raised nearly $16 million dollars through the generous support of our sponsors, donors and our gala auctions. Throughout it all we’ve held true to Jim Valvano’s legacy to ‘never give up’ as we continue to raise funds to support cancer research and programs.”

The 2021 Wine Celebration weekend was hosted by Duke University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, V Foundation Board Member and ESPN “SportsCenter” Anchor Sage Steele, and ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas. From the gala dinner and live auction to the Answer for Cancer Symposium and ‘Rock the V’ party, the event hosted aver 450 guests and featured CNN Commentator Paul Begala as a guest speaker.

The highlight of this year’s event was the live auction gala held at Nickel & Nickel Winery with dozens of incredible lots up for bid. The evening’s top lot thrilled attendees by reaching $1 million for The Legend’s Last Legacy, Duke vs. UNC, featuring a once-in-a-lifetime weekend trip to join Duke’s Coach K for his final home game at Cameron Indoor stadium.

“When my friends, Michael and Carole Marks, pledged $1 million dollars to experience my final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, it took my breath away,” said Mike Krzyzewski. “The honor I felt for my team, my family and my legacy was overwhelming. This inspirational moment set the tone for the entire evening.”

Other top lots included exceptional experiences paired with some of the region’ finest wines, including 40-Love of Wine & Tennis, the semi-finals & finals at Wimbledon in London with Vintner Beth Nickel of Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel, The Great American Race, joining multi-platinum recording artist and NASCAR team owner Pitbull for an all-access VIP experience , Taste of the Tuscan Sun, an exclusive Napa Valley, Tuscan and Umbria itinerary hosted by Marchesi Antinori and Antica Estate, A Feast Fit for the Gods, featuring Michelin-decorated chef Michael Mina and his award-winning MINA Group team for a feast of Mediterranean dishes, Award Winning Wine & Music, joining Vintners Shari and Garen Staglin for an entertaining winery dinner for 10 featuring a private musical performance with Tony- and Grammy-Award Winners Christian Hoff and Kate Taylor, and a Pebble Beach Lux Getaway with Vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett of Alpha Omega Winery, Cyril and Blakesley Chappellet of Chappellet Vineyards, and Rich and Leslie Frank of Frank Family Vineyards.

“With the success of the 2021 event, the V Foundation Wine Celebration has once again united generous supporters, world-class vintners and talented chefs to raise essential funds to help us move toward Victory over Cancer®,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “Kudos to our amazing and dedicated staff, along with the individuals and organizations that continue to support our efforts.”

Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration has raised over $130 million to support the V Foundation and game-changing research and all-star scientists to accelerate victory over cancer and save lives. Currently holding 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, the V Foundation is among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.

In its 28 years, the V Foundation has awarded more than $260 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Twenty-eight 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 24th annual V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held on August 4-7, 2022.

For more information about this year’s Wine Celebration Weekend, or to make a donation, please visit www.winecelebration.org. For more information about the V Foundation for Cancer Research, please visit www.v.org.

About the V Foundation Wine Celebration
Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration, benefitting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, has raised over $130 million for cancer research and related programs. This three-day signature series of events in the stunning Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change. For more information, please visit winecelebration.org.

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 University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $260 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive award process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit v.org.

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(Event Images Available Upon Request)

MEDIA CONTACTS: Tom Fuller/Monty Sander
Fuller & Sander Communications
707-486-8968/707-480-8635
tom@fullerandsander.com/monty@fullerandsander.com