The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, alongside founding partner ESPN, announce Alpha Phi Alpha will drive awareness and support for the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. The fundraising initiative kicks off on December 4, the anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha’s founding, and it wraps up on January 4, 2021, the anniversary of Stuart Scott’s passing. Scott, an Alpha Phi Alpha Brother, was committed to advancing cancer research. The month-long campaign called “Give and Go to Fight Cancer,” will encourage two important things: to give by making a donation to cancer research and to go schedule a cancer screening.
The Stuart Scott Fund Supports Minority Scientists and Research to Improve Cancer Disparities
The V Foundation and ESPN established the Stuart Scott Fund in memory of celebrated ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott after he passed away in 2015. Stuart was a dedicated friend to the V Foundation and a champion for cancer research. He enrolled in a clinical trial during his own cancer journey and was especially driven to improve outcomes for African Americans and other minorities disproportionately affected by cancer. The V Foundation has awarded $10.5 million in grants through the Stuart Scott Fund, which supports minority scientists as well as research dedicated to cancer disparities experienced by minority populations.
“Alpha Phi Alpha is pleased to join the V Foundation in celebration of the legacy of our Brother Stuart Scott, who represented the defining qualities of an Alpha man,” said Brother General President Dr. Everett B. Ward. “His scholarship, leadership and service serves as a role model for all. Brother Scott’s courageous battle against cancer remains an inspirational call for us all. As the General President, I knew Brother Scott for many years, and I am honored to be a part of continuing his legacy as we help others. It is noteworthy that we are embarking on this journey together during the 114th Anniversary Foundation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.“
“Boo-yah” t-shirt sales support the Stuart Scott Fund
The “Give and Go to Fight Cancer” campaign encourages donations in multiples of $19.06, to highlight the 1906 establishment of Alpha Phi Alpha. Additionally, a special “Boo-yah” branded t-shirt is available to commemorate this collaboration, with $25 of every shirt sale benefiting the Stuart Scott Fund. T-shirts are available at v.org/aphia.
The funds raised through this initiative will support collaborative projects between scientists at National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“When we started the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund five years ago, we were intentional in our strategy to raise funds and awareness for disparities in communities of color,” said Dereck Whittenburg, V Foundation Board Member and Associate Athletic Director for Community Relations and Student Support at NC State University. “We are off to a good start and will continue to work as a team to increase awareness for cancer disparities in our communities.”
The Alpha Phi Alpha Give and Go to Fight Cancer campaign will be announced December 4 on ESPN Radio’s weekday morning show “Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin,” with Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Zubin Mehenti as hosts.
“This initiative is a natural fit with Stuart Scott being the common denominator, and it’s an honor and privilege to do this in his name,” said Jay Harris, an ESPN “SportsCenter” Anchor. “We miss him every day, but we know this work, and the opportunity to help save others, is what he’d want us to do.”
Overall, the V Foundation has awarded more than $250 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 and the “Give and Go to Fight Cancer” campaign with Alpha Phi Alpha, or to make a donation, please visit v.org/aphia.
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 more than $250 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 is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
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 go to www.espn.com/citizenship.
About Alpha Phi Alpha:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, was founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke and Cornel West. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Visit apa1906.net and follow on Twitter @apa1906network.
