The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce the V Foundation Wine Celebration, celebrating its 20th anniversary, raised more than $18 million during a full weekend of events. This year’s total included more than $16 million in “Fund-A-Need” donations to support the V Foundation’s endowment and nearly $2 million for breast cancer research.
“Since 1999, the V Wine Celebration has been a source of inspiration and generosity,” said Chairwoman Julie Allegro. “I am incredibly humbled and proud to be part of a team that raised $100 million towards our goal of Victory Over Cancer®.”
Hosted by five of the previous year’s hosts, Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, Duke University men’s basketball coach and V Foundation Board Member; Robin Roberts, Emmy-winning co-host of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” two-time cancer survivor, winner of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, and V Foundation Board Member; Scott Hamilton, figure skating world champion, Olympic gold medalist, and cancer survivor; Joe Theismann, Super Bowl champion and sports commentator; and Lou Holtz, legendary football coach, retired analyst for ESPN, best-selling author and motivational speaker. The three-day signature fundraising event included intimate winery dinners, live entertainment, live and silent auctions and a cancer research symposium. The event attracted attendees from all over the country to Napa Valley to benefit the V Foundation’s efforts in achieving Victory Over Cancer®.
“It was fantastic to be back in beautiful Napa Valley, hosting another Wine Celebration,” said Theismann. “The energy there was incredible, and the commitment to stopping cancer was as strong as ever. What an honor it was to be part of a special evening with co-hosts from past celebrations.”
Highlights of this year’s event included the live auction with assistance from Tony Award-winner Christian Hoff. Top items in the auction included a 2011 limited edition Neiman Marcus Convertible Chevrolet Camaro, one of only 100 made, packaged with a luxurious weekend at the Davis Estate’s guest house; a Harbison 20-year vertical including a 9-liter bottle from their first harvest that produced only a single barrel; and a chic dinner party by Ayesha Curry and Michael Mina, co-owners of International Smoke, paired with wines at Gemstone Vineyard.
“Remarkable doesn’t even describe this year’s V Foundation Wine Celebration,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “Once again, our hosts have set the stage for generosity, and the guests stepped up. This momentum propels us forward, ever closer to our goal of declaring Victory Over Cancer®!”
In its 25 years, the V Foundation has awarded more than $200 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Twenty-five years ago, the diagnosis and prognosis related to cancer were not as optimistic as today. Because of research, we have earlier diagnoses, a better understanding of what causes some cancers, more positive prognoses of some cancers and therapies that are 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. Over the last 20 years, the Wine Celebration has raised more than $100 million for cancer research and related programs. The 21st annual V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held on August 1-4, 2019.
For more information about the 2018 Wine Celebration, please visit www.winecelebration.org.
