Eighth Annual Jimmy V Week Brings Awareness, Funds for The V Foundation for Cancer Research

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Margaret Pentrack
margaretp@intrepidmg.com
412-337-2997

(Cary, NC) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations, and ESPN are thrilled to announce the eighth annual Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research, beginning December 3, 2014, across all domestic ESPN platforms. The initiative will drive awareness of and donations to The V Foundation for Cancer Research with original content, messaging, graphics, social activation and public service announcements. Jimmy V Week will conclude with the Jimmy V Women’s and Men’s Basketball Classics Presented by Corona. For the women’s matchup, two-time defending national champion and No. 3-ranked Connecticut plays at No. 2 Notre Dame on December 6 at 3:15 p.m. on ESPN. The men’s event will showcase four top college basketball programs – Indiana, No. 6 Louisville, Illinois and No. 12 Villanova – in the 20th annual doubleheader December 9. ESPN and ESPN Radio will offer both games from New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden, beginning with Villanova vs. Illinois at 7 p.m., followed by Indiana vs. Louisville at 9 p.m. Last year’s Jimmy V Week raised $1.8 million, bringing the seven-year total of contributions to more than $8.2 million.

“Each year during Jimmy V Week, we pause to reflect on Jim Valvano’s enduring words and to collectively renew our resolve to fighting this terrible disease,” said John Skipper, President, ESPN. “I am so proud that ESPN has been a leader in this fight for more than 21 years for The V Foundation. Together, with the support of our viewers, we’ve touched countless lives over the past two decades by funding critically-important cancer research programs.”

Jimmy V Week launches December 3 at 7 p.m. ET with a simulcast of former N.C. State University coach Jim Valvano’s 1993 ESPYs speech across ESPN domestic media networks, as well as on the ABC SuperSign in Times Square, New York City. The 13-minute speech will air simultaneously on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN3, ESPN Deportes and the Longhorn Network. It will also be available throughout Jimmy V Week on ESPN.com, ESPN3 and jimmyv.org. The simulcast of the speech on all platforms includes an introduction by cancer survivor, Good Morning America host and 2013 Arthur Ashe Courage Award Winner Robin Roberts.

During this exciting time, The V Foundation is pleased to announce a new pediatric cancer research grant in conjunction with the Vs. Cancer Foundation. Chase Jones, Vs. Cancer Founder and CEO as well as childhood cancer survivor, will present The V Foundation with a check for $200,000 on the floor during the Jimmy V Men’s Classic at Madison Square Garden. The donation will fund a 2015 V Scholar researching pediatric cancer. Vs. Cancer primarily raised the funds through head-shaving events with college and professional athletic teams, as well as amateur youth leagues, rallying athletes of all ages to help in the fight against pediatric cancer.

“On behalf of the Vs. Cancer Foundation, we are excited to work with The V Foundation to fund the best possible research to ensure more children have a better opportunity to beat cancer,” said Jones. “As a survivor, personally, I am humbled in this great step towards ultimately finding a cure.”

Louisville Friends of V, led by Bob Valvano, Jim Valvano’s brother, has also made a difference in the fight against cancer. Through ongoing efforts such as the Cowgill-Valvano Wild Eggs Scramble Fore Cancer, V Bocce Tournament, the RTL Tennis Dinner, Auction & Doubles Tournament, Team V in the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/mini-Marathon, and Churchill Downs – Downs After Dark “College Rivalry Night,” this group is making a donation to The V Foundation for $125,000 on court at Madison Square Garden on December 9.

Additional check presentations during the Jimmy V Classic games include $75,000 from Corona, $100,000 from Universal’s Unbroken and $120,000 from Team V fundraising through the TCS NYC Marathon.

“What an extraordinary way to celebrate the season of giving,” said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation. “V Week shows the generosity of ESPN, college basketball, our partners and our donors. And in this celebration is the hope for everyone facing cancer.”

Additional details regarding Jimmy V Week

Ball boys at Madison Square Garden will wear t-shirts from HOMAGE’s V Foundation line. HOMAGE, a merchandise partner for The V Foundation, is a vintage-inspired apparel retailer. To purchase apparel from The V Foundation’s line, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

Across all ESPN networks, the Bottomline will encourage viewers to join ESPN and The V Foundation in the fight against cancer by calling 1-800-4JimmyV or visiting www.jimmyv.org.

For more information about The V Foundation for Cancer Research, or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

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 basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $130 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

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