Virtual Benefit Gala Auction for Cancer Research Held on August 8, 2020
August 10, 2020, Napa, CA — MOMENTUM 2.0, The V Foundation Wine Celebration, Raises Over $3.6 Million Celebration, held virtually on August 8, 2020, raised over $3.6 million to support the V Foundation’s fight to achieve Victory Over Cancer®.
Hosted by the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history, Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas, ESPN’s SportsCenter Anchor Sage Steele, and Emmy award-winning auctioneer John Curley, the annual gala event featured six one-of-a-kind auction items, celebrity and musical appearances, and the chance to raise a glass with fellow V Wine Celebration guests, all coming virtually together to raise critical funds for cancer research.
The day began at 9:00am PDT with the Answer for Cancer Symposium, followed by V for Victory, a one-hour television special on ABC hosted by ESPN’s Kevin Negandhi and Hannah Storm. The Virtual Auction Gala followed, featuring spirited bidding on six one-of-a kind lots, including exclusive experiences at the Superbowl and the ESPYs with Far Niente Brand Wines, a sail-fishing competition with Emeril Lagasse, an ultimate escape to Sonoma Wine Country, and a five-night stay with Exclusive Resorts. The top lot of the evening was a collaboration between Gemstone Vineyard and Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry featuring a ruby encrusted 3L of 2019 Gemstone Ruby Barrel Selection which garnered $300,000. The event concluded with the fund-a-need, supporting the V Scholar Grants that advance the establishment of independent research programs for innovative young scientists, starting with an extremely generous challenge donation of $1 million dollars by long-time event supporters Wayne and Nan Kocourek. The challenge was met and more, bringing the total for the day to over $3.6 million.
“We may have been separate by distance, but we were together in heart,” stated Julie Maples Chairwoman of the V Foundation Wine Celebration. “The overwhelming generosity of our sponsors, donors, and bidders has been even more amazing as we endeavored to conduct our first ever virtual event. We could not be happier with the outcome and we look forward to getting together in the Napa Valley in person next year for the 2021 V Foundation Wine Celebration Weekend!”
The 2021 V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held August 5 – 8 in the Napa Valley.
The V Foundation Wine Celebration has raised more than $118 million for cancer research over the last 22 years.
For more, please visit winecelebration.org.
About the V Foundation Wine Celebration
Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration, benefitting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, has raised over $118 million for cancer research and related programs. This annual fundraising event in the Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change.
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. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $250 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit v.org.
