NAPA VALLEY, CA (August 5, 2024) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announced the 26th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration, held August 1 – 4, 2024, in the Napa Valley, raised $10.5 million. Since 1999, the Wine Celebration, presented by JaM Cellars, has raised over $168 million to support the V Foundation and its game-changing research, led by all-star scientists who are working to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives.
Hosted by Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, the legendary former Head Coach of Duke University Men’s Basketball and V Foundation Board Member, the 26th Annual Wine Celebration entertained and educated over 500 guests in the heart of the Napa Valley. V Foundation founder Jim Valvano’s iconic ‘Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!® legacy was highlighted throughout the weekend.
“Every year, the V Foundation Wine Celebration continues to make a lifesaving impact through the generosity of the Napa Valley community and beyond,” stated Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski. “Jimmy wanted to fund research to find cures for cancer and that’s really the basis for the V Foundation. Jimmy was also a coach, and he had a game plan. And the game plan is working, we just have to keep up with the plan.”
The 26th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration kicked off on Thursday, August 1, with the popular Dinner with the Docs, where guests enjoyed a unique opportunity to dine and interact with both V Foundation grantees and the world-class oncology experts who lead the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee.
Friday began with the President’s and Vintner Grant Honoree Luncheon at Stanly Ranch, celebrating 2024 Vintner Grant Honoree Ellie Anest, Founder & CEO, Eleven Eleven Winery. The luncheon also included a surprise announcement, a grant named in honor of Wine Celebration Board Member and Tony-award winning Broadway performer Christian Hoff to recognize his contributions to the cancer research community. The grant was awarded to Jonathan Peled, M.D., Ph.D., at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The day culminated with Rock the V, the biggest party of the Wine Celebration weekend held at Estate Yountville. The event featured famed restaurateurs, award-winning chefs, renowned regional vintners, an exciting barrel auction, and the ever-popular Silent Disco in the Estate’s historic Barrel Room.
Saturday started off with the Krzyzewski Family Answer for Cancer Symposium, where guests learned first-hand from V grantees about advances in cancer research. The Gala Dinner & Auction, held at Nickel & Nickel Winery, capped off the event weekend, hosted by Mike Krzyzewski, along with Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation, Amy Marks Dornbusch, Chairwoman, Wine Celebration and Chris Spatola, ESPN college basketball analyst. They were joined by Gala Chef Dustin Valette, Owner of The Matheson, Valette Restaurant, and Valette Wines for an incredible gala dinner paired with Nickel & Nickel wines. A rousing standing ovation ensued as the “Spirit of Jimmy V Award” was presented to George Bodenheimer, former ESPN President, to honor his decades of service and passion for the V Foundation’s mission.
“I am at a loss for words,” Bodenheimer said from the stage. “I’m so honored and humbled to receive this award. I love the V Foundation and to receive this award, it’s truly special. When Jimmy announced the V Foundation at the inaugural ESPYs he said, ‘We are going to need your financial support to fund this world class research, because the life you save may be somebody that you love.’ Let’s please remember that powerful thought and get after it.”
The live auction included dozens of incredible lots up for bid. The evening’s top lots included a VIP experience for eight at the US Open Semi-Finals and Finals in New York, hosted by renowned vintner Beth Nickel with a winning bid of $1.6 million, a country music festival & BBQ with Blakesley and Cyril Chappellet at $300k, and a VIP Super Bowl LIX experience for four in New Orleans with the Staglin Family coming in at $200K. A winner was also selected for the Legend Motor Co. sweepstakes, who took home a custom-built Signature Series 4×4 vehicle.
The generosity continued through the Fund-a-Need paddle raise for colorectal cancer research, and when the final gavel came down at the end of the auction, $10.5 million had been raised to support lifesaving cancer research.
The 27th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held July 31-August 3, 2025. For more information, please visit winecelebration.v.org.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $353 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards research grants through a competitive review process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit v.org.
About the V Foundation Wine Celebration
Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration, benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, has raised over $168 million for cancer research and related programs. This signature series of events in the stunning Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change. For more information, please visit winecelebration.v.org.
