Stuart Scott’s Life and Legacy Celebrated at NYC Event
Cary, N.C. [December 7, 2021] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research hosted its inaugural BOO-YAH! A Celebration of Stuart Scott presented by Bristol Myers Squibb and Disney Ad Sales on December 6 in New York City. The impactful evening recognized the life and legacy of former ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott. The event blended science and sports and raised over $1.2 million to benefit the V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund.
“Our first BOO-YAH! event was a wonderful evening,” said Danielle Lavetan, senior director of V Foundation Signature Events. “We celebrated Stuart’s remarkable life, remembered his courageous battle with cancer and focused on his legacy – funding critical cancer research that will reduce disparities and save lives. We are so grateful for the many generous guests, sponsors and volunteers who made this possible.”
Co-hosted by award-winning actor Hill Harper and ESPN anchor Jay Harris, the evening’s festivities included a live auction, panel discussion and seated dinner with a special appearance by Stuart Scott’s daughters, Taelor and Sydni. The evening’s most popular auction experience sold for $25,000 and included four tickets to the U.S. Open Tennis Gala and first day matches. Other popular auction items were tickets to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Austin, TX, and a March Madness weekend in New Orleans.
“What an honor it was to co-host such a special night with Jay Harris,” said Harper. “Stuart was an example to all of us. He was a voice against disparities and an advocate for cancer research. We raised an incredible amount of money to continue his fight, and the grants funded in his name will offer a brighter future to so many.”
The Stuart Scott Fund was established in memory of Stuart Scott after he passed away in 2015. Stuart was a champion for cancer research and was especially driven to improve outcomes for Black and other minority patients disproportionately affected by the disease. Grants awarded through his fund are dedicated to research focused on racial disparities in cancer outcomes as well as general cancer research led by scientists from underrepresented groups. To date, the fund has awarded nearly $15 million in grants.
The V Foundation has proudly awarded nearly $290 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.
For more information about the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit v.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. The V 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, please visit v.org.
