Cary, NC (December 5, 2023) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, hosted the third annual Boo-Yah! A Celebration of Stuart Scott fundraising event on Monday, December 4, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. The event raised nearly $2.4 million, including a $500,000 anonymous donor match, bringing the three-year total to over $5.2 million for game-changing cancer research.
Named in tribute to Stuart’s iconic catchphrase, Boo-Yah! celebrates his enduring spirit and unwavering commitment to fighting cancer. All proceeds from this event will benefit the V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund.
Stuart Scott was a revered sports icon and an ardent advocate for cancer research, focusing on improving outcomes for minority populations disproportionately affected by the disease. Shortly after his passing in 2015 – and as part of its commitment to health equity – the V Foundation established the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund in memory of the beloved ESPN sportscaster.
“The progress in diagnosis and treatment of cancer is not uniform across cancer types or groups of people, and African Americans, specifically, continue to have lower survival rates for most cancer types,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “Stuart was committed to making a difference for others, and it is essential the V Foundation continues Stuart’s mission to address disparities in cancer prognosis, treatment, and research for minority populations.”
This year’s event was proudly presented by Bristol Myers Squibb and Disney. Hearst and TKO Group Holdings were Platinum Sponsors. The program included personal words from Stuart’s daughters, Sydni and Taelor Scott, and his sister, Susan Scott. Top researchers funded by the Stuart Scott Fund also spoke about the continued progress toward improving patient lives.
“Stuart wholeheartedly believed in the V Foundation’s mission, and Boo-Yah! brings together a dedicated community of people who share that passion,” said Susan Scott. “We’re so proud to raise money for a cause that promotes equity and improves treatment options for every cancer fighter. We know that research saves lives, and it’s one of the greatest ways we can honor his legacy and his heart for others fighting cancer.”
Contributing to the fundraising efforts was a lively auction of eight exclusive experiences, including tickets to the U.S. Open Polo Championship® with a private chef’s dinner at the Vérité Estate, and the two highest bid items, a weekend in Miami for the F1 Grand Prix Race and VIP access to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
With ESPN’s support, the V Foundation has funded 54 grants, totaling nearly $16 million from the Stuart Scott Fund since 2015. These grants accelerate research that addresses racial disparities in cancer outcomes and empower scientists from underrepresented groups, a nod to Stuart’s passion for health equity and his understanding that today’s cancer research is tomorrow’s victory.
The Boo-Yah! celebration served as the grand finale signature event of the V Foundation’s 30th anniversary year, a monumental year for grant awards that funded world-class research across all cancer types. To learn more about the Boo-Yah! event and the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, please visit v.org/booyahnyc.
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 over $353 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
