The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announces the third annual Virginia Vine event raised more than $250,000 to help achieve victory over cancer. The sold-out gala was held at Boxwood Estate Winery on April 8 and hosted by Joe Theismann, former quarterback of the Super Bowl XVII Champion Washington Redskins, with featured speaker Scott Hamilton, Olympic champion, cancer survivor and activist. The funds raised will support Virginia’s world-class cancer research institutions as well as groundbreaking research projects across the country.
“Only three years old, the V Foundation Virginia Vine event has really hit stride! A remarkable group of individuals has led us to a new level of awareness, fund-raising and friendship,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “We are so grateful to our volunteers, to the Governor’s office and to Virginia’s three cancer center partners for bringing education to the public and funds to cancer research.”
To reinforce the urgency and momentum behind research today, the V Foundation held a Cancer Research Symposium at the Salamander Resort & Spa. Joseph Moore, M.D., Medical Director of the Duke Raleigh Cancer Center and Professor of Hematology and Oncology at Duke Cancer Center, led the discussion. A member of the V Foundation’s world-renowned Scientific Advisory Committee and primary oncologist of the late Jim Valvano, Moore also explained the V Foundation’s grant-making process. Under the direction of the Scientific Advisory Committee, Virginia Vine’s presenting sponsors – Inova Schar Cancer Institute, University of Virginia Health System Cancer Center and VCU Massey Cancer Center – will each nominate their most competitive research studies to determine which institution will receive funds raised through Virginia Vine. A scientist from each research center participated in the symposium, sharing specifics on the important work happening in the Commonwealth.
“The night was perfect, the food was fabulous, and Scott Hamilton gave such a moving presentation,” said Theismann. “With everybody’s help, we believe we will defeat cancer, and the V Foundation will help lead the way.”
Throughout the evening, the Virginia Vine gala showcased outstanding wine, culinary delights and one-of-a-kind auction items. A cocktail reception was followed by a seated dinner with Boxwood wine parings. Theismann and the Honorable Todd P. Haymore, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Commonwealth of Virginia, welcomed supporters. Braun emphasized how research is transforming the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer prior to introducing the presenting sponsors and gala sponsor, McGuireWoods. Hamilton, a cancer and pituitary brain tumor survivor, followed Braun on stage, echoing her message while sharing his personal journey and determination to eradicate the disease.
The V Foundation is in the midst of a campaign, Not a Moment to Lose, aiming to raise $200 million by 2020. The campaign is strategically focused on emerging, high-impact research opportunities to make the greatest advances in the shortest amount of time. Areas of scientific research to be funded include the study of prevention signals, clinical trials, immunotherapy pathways, big data collaborations, convergence projects, pediatric cancer and translational research. Through its partners and fundraising efforts, including Virginia Vine, the V Foundation has already raised nearly $120 million towards its goal.
