The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, has teamed up with student athletes from Pack of Wolves, a community of passionate fans, alumni and supporters of North Carolina State University Wolfpack Athletics, to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research during National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.
The student athletes are all members of the NC State women’s basketball team. While unique to have an entire team of athletes sign on to a name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement, it’s a cause the team is passionate about. The V Foundation was founded by legendary NC State basketball coach, Jim Valvano, and ESPN in 1993, and the University and Athletics department has historically been active in supporting its mission.
Shared goals of this campaign include generating awareness, advocating for early, accessible screening and raising funds to support critical breast cancer research. Athletes will be pitted against each other in a friendly competition throughout the month to see who can generate the most engagement with their social media followers and raise the most money.
This partnership, made possible by Matt and Soogi Hong, is unique in that the sponsorship of Pack of Wolves student athletes is being funded by individuals, and then the sponsorship benefits are being transferred to the V Foundation. This first of its kind sponsorship can serve as a model for other individuals or businesses looking to partner with NC State student athletes while additionally supporting a worthwhile charity.
“This collaboration combines two areas our family is very passionate about, Wolfpack sports and the V Foundation’s work in cancer research,” said Matt Hong, former COO of Turner Sports and ‘94 NC State graduate. “We’re also excited to serve as a test case for other businesses or individuals to partner with NC State athletes to use their name, image and likeness to raise awareness and money for a good cause. Being able to support impactful organizations like the V Foundation is an attractive new benefit of the Pack of Wolves NIL platform.”
Funds raised during the campaign will support the Clea Shearer Breast Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation. This fund was established in May 2022 in honor of Clea Shearer, co-founder of The Home Edit, to raise awareness of the importance of early detection and accessible screening services for all women, and propel forward research of the disease. To date, the V Foundation has funded $30.1 million toward game-changing breast cancer research.
To learn more and donate, pick your favorite player and join their team today!
- River Baldwin
- Jada Boyd
- Jakia Brown-Turner
- Mimi Collins
- Sophie Hart
- Madison Hayes
- Camille Hobby
- Diamond Johnson
- Niya Rivers
- Jessica Timmons
“We’re excited and thankful to have top-notch student athletes using their platforms to benefit breast cancer research,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “We are united as one team with a common goal of accelerating breast cancer research to find a cure for this disease.”
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 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.
About Pack of Wolves
The Pack of Wolves is a community of passionate fans, alumni and supporters of NC State University Wolfpack Athletics, committed to empowering NC State student-athletes to maximize their personal brand value through their name, image and likeness (NIL) while creating meaningful and lasting connections with NC State supporters. Our mission is to help our student-athletes maximize their NIL value while making a positive impact in the community. We connect student-athletes with members and sponsors, and help them navigate and secure meaningful NIL collaborations and lasting relationships.
Press Contact:
Molly Thompson, Turnbridge Marketing
919-605-0022
mthompson@turnbridgemarketing.com
