Seventh Annual Virginia Vine Weekend Raises Nearly $900,000 for V Foundation for Cancer Research
Seventh Annual Virginia Vine Weekend Raises Nearly $900,000 for V Foundation for Cancer Research
Proceeds to Fund Early Detection Cancer Research in Virginia and Nationwide
Cary, NC [April 11, 2022] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, raised nearly $900,000 at its seventh annual Virginia Vine wine event this past weekend, bringing the event’s overall fundraising total to more than $3.7 million. Proceeds from the event will support early detection cancer research.
“Our first full Virginia Vine weekend was a win for both cancer research and our growing community of support to patients, caregivers and friends of those impacted by this insidious disease,” said Virginia Vine Chair and V Foundation Board Member Julie Chase. “Our team of hosts and sponsors here in the Greater Washington Area – and our high-energy guests – came out in force to change the course of care and focus on cures for cancer. It can’t be said enough that cancer affects us all — and the V Foundation has a critical effect on eradicating it from our lives. I am so grateful for the results of this important, beautiful and fun gathering.”
The auction dinner on Saturday night at Stone Tower Winery, hosted by former star Washington quarterback Joe Theismann, and auctioneer Tony Award-winning Christian Hoff, featured food and wine from the region, as well as fourteen one-of-a-kind experiences for attendees to bid on in a live auction. Nick Valvano, former V Foundation CEO and brother of legendary basketball coach and V Foundation co-founder Jim Valvano, presented the first Virginia Vine Visionary Award to Mark D. Lerner, the managing principal owner and vice chairman of the Washington Nationals.
“Virginia Vine continues to be an amazing event,” said Joe Theismann. “We see extraordinary generosity from so many attendees. It’s not just about wine and having fun – it is about declaring an end to cancer. Jimmy V challenged us to fund research and to stop this disease. Seeing so many people coming together to do that gives me hope for a future without cancer.”
Attendees also enjoyed a Friday evening concert from Nashville recording artist Maggie Rose. On Saturday morning, the V Foundation hosted a panel discussion, Voices for Victory, at the Salamander Resort & Spa. Voices for Victory featured insights around the importance of early detection from cancer researchers representing the following Mission Partners the V Foundation has awarded cancer research grants to:
- University of Virginia Cancer Center
- VCU Massey Cancer Center
- Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center
The partners shared their work and how research is moving toward Victory Over Cancer®. The panel was moderated by William Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and head of the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee.
Following the scientific panel, the audience enjoyed a discussion with sports greats Gary Williams, former University of Maryland men’s basketball head coach, and former NBA player and congressman Tom McMillen. ESPN college basketball analyst Seth Greenberg moderated the panel, as all three reflected on their time in sports and how their lives have been affected by cancer.
In addition to the three Mission Partners, additional sponsors include Stone Tower Winery, McGuireWoods LLP and the Washington Speakers Bureau.
The V Foundation holds 11 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity.
For more information about the V Foundation, Virginia Vine, or to donate, please visit 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 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.