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.

ESPY Golf Tournament raises $1 million for V Foundation

From ESPN -

ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic Raises $1.05 Million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research

The 11th annual ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic raised $1.05 million in net proceeds for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, it was announced by George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN and ABC Sports, and Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks. Celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment gathered for the Team ESPN event, held Tuesday at the Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms in Industry Hills, Calif.

“This is one of the most uplifting days of the year for many of us,” Bodenheimer said. “ESPN and The V Foundation are extremely focused on beating cancer and it’s inspiring to have the support of so many celebrities, volunteers and sponsors.”

Nick Valvano, V Foundation CEO and brother of Jim Valvano, added, “The ESPN family has once again mobilized their resources to make a major impact in our fight against cancer, with the growing team of celebrities, sponsors and countless ESPN staffers. They continue to humble us with their belief in our mission and unselfish support.”

Among the athletes and celebrities in attendance were JJ Barea, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Mike Ditka, Tony Dovolani, Julius Erving, Dennis Haysbert, Trevor Hoffman, Bruce Jenner, Greg Jennings, Jason Kidd, Lou Holtz, Ron Jaworski, Joe Mantegna, Adrian Peterson, Stuart Scott, Ryan Sheckler, Tim Tebow, Lindsey Vonn, Wes Welker, Ken Whisenhunt, Michael Wilbon, Jesse Williams, Kellen Winslow, Sr. and many more.

Jimmy V Classics Announced

From ESPN -

Jimmy V Women’s & Men’s Basketball Classics to be Played on Same Night

Annual Events Benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research, Close Out Jimmy V Week Initiative Dec. 6

The 2011 Jimmy V Women’s and Men’s Basketball Classics will both be held on Tuesday, Dec. 6 marking the first time the two events benefiting cancer research have been played on the same night.

The 10th annual Women’s Classic will pit NCAA National Champion Texas A&M at defending BIG EAST champion and Final Four team Connecticut in Storrs, Conn. at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The 17th annual men’s doubleheader, held at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden for the ninth consecutive event, will feature Missouri vs. Villanova at 7 p.m. and Washington vs. Marquette at 9 p.m., both on ESPN.

Once again, the two early-season events that showcase top college basketball programs on ESPN and ESPN2 will conclude the fifth annual Jimmy V Week, a weeklong initiative Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 across multiple ESPN platforms and programs featuring special content to help raise funds for cancer research.  Last year’s initiative raised more than $1.2 million in net proceeds.

Tickets for the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic will go on sale in the fall via Ticketmaster and at the Madison Square Garden Box Office. Tickets for the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic will be available at the Connecticut ticket office.

10th Annual Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic

Highlights:

• Defending BIG EAST champion Connecticut, coming off a Final Four appearance in the 2011 NCAA Tournament, will host defending National Champion Texas A&M (Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. on ESPN2).
• The contest will be the first between the two programs.
• Texas A&M will make its second consecutive Jimmy V Classic appearance after its event debut last year while Connecticut will play in its fourth, but first since 2005.

17^th Annual Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic

Highlights of the event showcasing four of the nation’s elite programs Tuesday, Dec. 6 on ESPN (Missouri vs. Villanova at 7 p.m. followed by Washington vs. Marquette at 9 p.m.):

• Missouri, Washington and Marquette will make their Jimmy V Classic debut. Villanova played in the 2008 event against Texas.
• All four programs participated in the 2011 NCAA Tournament: Marquette reached the Sweet 16, Washington the third round, and Missouri and Villanova the second round.
• Missouri and Villanova will meet for the second time ever. The only previous meeting was a 72-53 Missouri victory in the 1985 Rainbow Classic.
• Marquette is 2-1 all-time against Washington but lost its most recent game to the Huskies, 80-78 in the first round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament.

Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic Dinner Oct. 13

ESPN analysts Bill Raftery and Dereck Whittenburg, along with St. John’s men’s basketball coach and former ESPN analyst Steve Lavin, will serve as honorary chairmen of the 17th Jimmy V Basketball Classic Dinner Auction Thursday, Oct. 13. The head coaches for all six Classic teams are expected to appear at the event, held at New York's Chelsea Piers’ PIER SIXTY and presented by The V Foundation, ESPN, and Madison Square Garden. Proceeds from the dinner and auction will benefit The V Foundation to fund cancer research. For additional information or to reserve tickets call The V Foundation at 1-800-4JimmyV or log on to www.jimmyv.org.

The V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $100 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Foundation's endowment. The Foundation awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.