Cary, N.C. [April 4, 2022] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research raised over $2.4 million at the inaugural Sonoma Epicurean weekend, held March 31 – April 3 in Sonoma County’s renowned wine country. A signature series of events, Sonoma Epicurean featured curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners with a focus on lifestyle, wellness and sustainability. Proceeds from the inaugural event will support grants funded through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The V Foundation has now funded nearly $290 million in cancer research grants nationwide.
“We couldn’t be happier with the success of this inaugural program in Sonoma County’s beautiful wine country,” stated Shane Jacobson, CEO, the V Foundation. “This weekend was an immersive experience, where we stood shoulder to shoulder with supporters as one team and engaged with the doctors who are on the front lines. This truly was an experience second to none.”
“The inaugural Sonoma Epicurean brought together the finest chefs, artisans, vintners and venues in a uniquely Sonoma County way to celebrate the V Foundation and the work that is being done to fund cancer research,” added 2022 event Chair Stuart Bryan of Pride Mountain Vineyards. “We are so grateful to everyone who made this happen, including our auction sponsors, program partners, donors, scientists, volunteers and guests. Cancer knows no boundaries, and it knows no appellations – we need to all come together in the Fight Against Cancer.”
The event kicked off with the Epicurean Winery Dinners, where Northern California’s finest chefs including Charlie Palmer of Dry Creek Kitchen and Hotel Healdsburg, Dustin Valette of Valette and The Matheson, and Montage Healdsburg executive chef Jaron Dubinsky created antioxidant-rich menus perfectly paired with world-class wines from top Sonoma County vintners, including Aperture Cellars, Ramey Wine Cellars, AldenAlli, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Silver Oak Cellars and Williams Selyem. The weekend continued with a variety of immersive culinary experiences, a connoisseur barrel auction and artisan workshops followed by the Epic Party at Mayacama Golf Club, where notable vintners shared their best vintages alongside cuisine from renown regional chefs.
The final day of the event included the Wellness Breakfast and EpiCUREean Symposium, where guests engaged with scientists and researchers in a lively discussion on cancer wellness and the need to address disparities in cancer research in minority ethnic groups, and culminated with the Epic Gala Auction at Montage Healdsburg, hosted by ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor, Sage Steele, and “The Good Doctor” actor, Hill Harper, and featured Emmy award-winning radio & TV personality, Liam Mayclem, and GRAMMY & Tony award-winning entertainer, Christian Hoff. An exuberant crowd raised their paddles to help achieve Victory Over Cancer®.
The 2nd Annual Sonoma Epicurean weekend will take place in March of 2023. For more information, please visit sonomaepicurean.org.
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About Sonoma Epicurean
Sonoma Epicurean is a signature series of events featuring curated and hands-on experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners with focus on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability. Proceeds from the event will fund cancer research and related programs to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit sonomaepicurean.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.
Media Contacts:
Tom Fuller & Monty Sander
Fuller & Sander Communications
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monty@fullerandsander.com 707.253.8503
