ESPN raises nearly $2 million for V Foundation

From ESPN -

ESPN Radio’s "Don’t Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Auction” Raises More Than $810,000

More than $1.8 Million Raised When Combined with ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic

The seventh annual “Don’t Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Auction” raised $810,955 for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a 61% percent increase over last year’s total of $504,000 and more than four times the inaugural event’s $201,000. The event has raised more than $4,900,000 in its seven years.

The annual event offered more than 200 items and experiences via auction either online from July 3-13 or as part of an ESPN Radio 18-hour, on-air radiothon Wednesday, July 13.

When combined with the ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic, more than $1,860,000 million was raised for cancer research during ESPYs Week.

Donations were also a big a part of the auction’s success, as listeners responded to show hosts’ on-air invitation: “If you don’t have the money to bid, every donation helps no matter what size.”

The radio auction, a Team ESPN corporate outreach initiative, coincided with the 11th annual ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic. Held at Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms in Industry Hills, Calif. on Tuesday, July 12, the 2011 ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic raised more than $1,050,000 in net proceeds for The V Foundation for Cancer Research.