The 2021 V Foundation For Cancer Research Raises $12 Million At Wine Celebration Weekend
By Ella ChakarianBy Ella Chakarian|August 9, 2021|Lifestyle, Feature,
Following a weekend of events in Napa Valley, the top-rated cancer research charity has announced that they have raised $12 million in support of cutting-edge immunotherapy research.
The V Foundation is constantly at the forefront of revolutionizing the cancer research landscape by funding grants to scientists and directly donating to cancer investigation and programs. After raising $12 million in donations from the Wine Celebration Weekend in Napa Valley, they continue to spearhead the path by partnering with the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy to co-fund up to four Parker Bridge Fellows grants for early career researchers, empowering them to pursue bold, transformative immunotherapy treatments for cancer patients.
“The V Foundation is truly a source of inspiration and generosity,” shares Chairwoman Julie Maples in a press release. “In the last two years, while we’ve continued to deal with the pandemic, we’ve raised nearly $16 million dollars through the generous support of our sponsors, donors and our gala auctions."
To continue their fundraising efforts and make the Wine Celebration Weekend come to full fruition, the event was hosted by Duke University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, V Foundation Board Member and ESPN “SportsCenter” Anchor Sage Steele and ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas. The weekend came to life with over 450 guests attending a gala dinner and live auction to the Answer for Cancer Symposium and 'Rock the V' party. In true Napa Valley fashion, the fundraising event highlighted the areas finest fare and wines, featuring celebrity chef Michael Mina and an exceptional auction catalog filled with experiences like Taste of the Tuscan Sun, an exclusive Napa Valley, Tuscan and Umbria itinerary hosted by Marchesi Antinori and Antica Estate and A Feast Fit for the Gods, featuring Michelin-decorated chef Michael Mina and his renowned MINA Group team for a lavish dinner of Mediterranean dishes. More top lots included an exclusive weekend trip to join Duke’s Coach K for his final home game at Cameron Indoor stadium, along with an all-access VIP experience with Pitbull at The Great American Race.
“With the success of the 2021 event, the V Foundation Wine Celebration has once again united generous supporters, world-class vintners and talented chefs to raise essential funds to help us move toward Victory over Cancer®,” Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation, expressed in a release. “Kudos to our amazing and dedicated staff, along with the individuals and organizations that continue to support our efforts.”
