The V Foundation’s Inaugural Chicago Epicurean Event Raises Over $2 Million For Cancer Research
The V Foundation’s first signature event in the Midwest, the Chicago Epicurean raised over $2 million in its first year.
Cary, N.C. (September 21, 2024) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, hosted the inaugural Chicago Epicurean September 19-20 within Chicago’s vibrant Fulton Market District. The event raised over $2 million for game-changing cancer research.
Part of the V Foundation’s acclaimed signature events series which has now raised nearly $193 million for innovative cancer research, the Chicago Epicurean was the Foundation’s first signature event in the Chicago area. The V Foundation has awarded over $353 million in grants across the United States and Canada since its inception in 1993, and 100% of direct donations go toward cancer research thanks to an endowment covering operating expenses.
“When a team grows, it gets stronger. With the addition of Chicago Epicurean, our team is stronger than it has ever been,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “I’m incredibly encouraged to see so many generous people come together in this community to raise money for all-star scientists doing lifesaving cancer research. The impact of the game-changing research at the terrific institutions in Chicago will serve as a catalyst across the nation to move us close to our goal – Victory Over Cancer®.”
The event celebrated the best of Chicago over the two-day event. Highlights included:
- A gala hosted by Chicago native, V Foundation Board Member and Hall of Famer Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski
- Stage 3 non-Hodgkins lymphoma survivor and host of ESPN 1000 in Chicago Marc Silverman sharing his journey with cancer
- Delicious cuisines crafted by award-winning chefs based in Chicago
- Cancer research impact updates from all-star cancer researchers at Chicago-based institutions
- A live auction that featured 17 thrilling auction lots offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Colorectal cancer research was the Fund-A-Need focus, and the event will provide critical funding to improve treatment options and save lives. The V Foundation has awarded over $8.9 million in research grants focused on colorectal cancers, the leading cause of cancer death for men and second leading for women under age 50.
At the Epic Auction Gala on Friday, the V Foundation named the research grant of V Foundation Chicago-based researcher Alexander Muir, Ph.D., in honor of Silverman and the late Jeff Dickerson. Jeff Dickerson was an ESPN reporter in the Chicago sports market for over two decades. He lost his wife, Caitlin, to melanoma after a seven-year battle with the disease. Then, two short years later, Jeff was diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away in 2021 due to complications.
Overall, the V Foundation has funded over $13 million across four Chicago-based cancer research institutes.
“Cancer research is incredibly important,” Silverman said. “It was four years ago this month that I rang the bell after my treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I was very fortunate, thanks to the great research done by the V Foundation and my incredible doctors at Northwestern University in Chicago. It is an honor to be involved with the V Foundation, bringing the organization to Chicago, and now having a grant named in honor of me and my friend Jeff Dickerson.”
Contributing to the fundraising efforts Friday evening was a lively auction of 17 exclusive experiences, including tickets to the Wimbledon Championships in London, an Australian and Napa Valley adventure with the Penfolds, and tickets to a Duke men’s basketball game courtesy of Coach K. The highest-bid item was a trip to Augusta National Golf Club for Saturday and Sunday of the 2025 Masters with Miner Family Winery, bringing in $55,000.
This year’s inaugural event would not have been possible without support from John Anthony Wines & Spirits, CJ Drilling, ESPN, UFC and Sommsation.
The 2nd annual V Foundation Chicago Epicurean is set for September 2025. For more information, visit chicagoepicurean.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 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.
