The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations, and ESPN are thrilled to announce the third annual ESPY Week fundraising initiatives raised $3.9 million for cancer research. ESPN’s fundraising drive included the 12th annual ESPN Radio ESPY Day Auction, 16th annual ESPY Golf Outing, second annual Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards and a “This is SportsCenter” Omaze Sweepstakes. Also included in this week’s fundraising total is a new partnership between The V Foundation and Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which was first announced on the ESPYS red carpet. The ongoing partnership will support $1.25 million for immune-oncology research.
“Everyone teamed up at this year’s ESPY’S for the fight against cancer including Vice President Joe Biden who presented the Jimmy V Perseverance Award to TNT reporter and cancer survivor, Craig Sager,” said Kevin Martinez, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship. “ESPN is pleased to continue using its resources and storytelling to help raise money for life-altering cancer research.”
Prior to the ESPY Awards show on Wednesday, July 13, Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation, and Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton announced a partnership, establishing “Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation Grants” funded by The V Foundation and Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation. A cancer survivor and passionate research advocate, Hamilton launched the Foundation to fund world-class research and quality care to improve cancer survivorship. The grants, which will total $1.25 million, will be awarded over a two-year period to young investigators and translational researchers within the emerging field of immunology.
“I couldn’t imagine a more perfect initial partnership for our Foundation than with The V Foundation,” said Hamilton. “Susan and her team share in our commitment to turn cancer upside down and to celebrate survivorship. Thanks to the countless supporters who visited scottcares.org and posted about our partnership, we’re on our way to raising the $1.25 million that will forever change people’s lives in our ongoing battled against cancer.”
Funding research of all cancer types, The V Foundation awards 100 percent of direct donations to cutting-edge projects identified and vetted by its world-renowned Scientific Advisory Committee. Contributions generated from the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards and ESPY Golf Outing will benefit the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which assists investigators studying cancer disparities among minorities in loving remembrance of the longtime ESPN anchor. In its inaugural year, more than $2 million from the Stuart Scott Fund was awarded to novel cancer research projects.
“The V Foundation is so proud of our lifelong partnership with ESPN. The Stuart Scott Cancer Research Memorial Fund is one clear example of how our joint efforts make a specific difference in the war on cancer,“ said Braun. “And now, we are delighted to partner with the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation to fund research that will expand our knowledge of how each individual’s immune system can fight cancer. Working with a champion like Scott Hamilton, a generous and compassionate man who himself has battled cancer, makes this venture even more special and success focused!”
For more information about The V Foundation, please visit www.jimmyv.org. For more information about the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, please visit www.scottcares.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 basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $150 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 world-renowned Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.
About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information, visit www.espn.com/citizenship.
About Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation
The Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation is dedicated to funding world class research and quality care to improve cancer survivorship. CARES stands for Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship. The cancer alliance builds strong partnerships with leading institutions, cancer support groups and researchers from around the globe. The foundation focuses on early detection, advanced diagnostics and leading-edge cancer treatment in a fight to significantly improve cure rates and quality of life. For more information, visit scottcares.org.
