V Foundation Wine Celebration raises fund for cancer research

The 12th Annual Wine Celebration benefitting The V Foundation took place August 6&7 in Napa Valley, raising $2.2 million for cancer research. The event, a signature fundraiser for sportscaster/coach Jim Valvano's eponymous foundation, has raised more than $35 million since 1998.

“As our cause catches on donations have exceeded our wildest dreams”

Guests assembled in Napa Valley to enjoy private dinners and receptions, an update on research advances from the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board, and a gala dinner auction at Nickel & Nickel Winery. Foundation and Wine Celebration Chairman Bob Lloyd announced that The Foundation had reached a $100 million fundraising goal, and Duke Legend Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski joined Lloyd onstage alongside Nick Valvano, Jimmy V's brother, to pledge his support in raising another $100 million. "Give till it hurts, you can afford it," teased Krzyzewski, who offered up a humorous and heartfelt keynote speech to kick things off. Local vintner, Chicago-area socialite and cancer survivor Teri Kuhn spearheaded an impassioned Fund-A-Need to benefit Leukemia research, and Cyril and Blakesley Chappellet were honored with a Vintner Grant benefitting Melanoma research.

The evening was one of extraordinary generosity, with the largest and most diverse catalog yet assembled. "As our cause catches on donations have exceeded our wildest dreams," notes Julie Constantin, the Marin-based Venture Capitalist who helped create the Wine Celebration 12 years ago. Screaming Eagle founder Jean Phillips donated a 3-liter in honor of Kuhn; Tickets to events such as the ESPYs, the Superbowl, and courtside seats at the Duke vs. UNC basketball game were highlights and V supporters including Steve Bornstein (President, NFL Network), Cheech Marin, Donna Orender (President, WNBA) and Robin Roberts (Anchor,GMA/ABC) were spotted in the crowd.

"Cancer touches everyone, and everyone has the power to do something about it. This group is a great example of that -- An organized team is a really powerful thing. I think we're proving that, and we'll keep doing it until we've got a cure," says Lloyd.

The 2011 V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held August 5 & 6, with 100% of all net proceeds and new cash donations applied directly to innovative cancer research grants.