Chris Spatola, ESPN college basketball analyst welcomes guests to the Gala Dinner & Auction during ... [+]
The V Foundation for Cancer Research has once again demonstrated the incredible impact of collective action through its highly anticipated 2024 Wine Celebration, held in the Napa Valley. This year's event was a tremendous success, raising an impressive $10.5 million, which adds to a remarkable total of over $168 million raised since the foundation's inception in 1999. These funds are not just mere numbers; they represent hope, progress, and the relentless pursuit of a cure for cancer, underscoring the critical importance of continued research and innovation in the fight against this disease. I can still hear legendary coach, Jim “Jimmy V” Valvano’s timeless words from the 1993 ESPY Awards, which is also the V Foundation's rallying cry, "Don't Give Up . . . Don't Ever Give Up!" It resonates deeply with all those involved, inspiring participants, donors, advocates, and anyone in attendance to remain steadfast in their commitment to finding effective treatments and ultimately, a cure for cancer.
The 2024 V Foundation Wine Celebration commenced on Thursday, August 1, featuring the highly anticipated Dinner with the Docs at Beringer Vineyards in Saint Helena. Guests had the unique opportunity to dine with V Foundation grantees and leading oncology experts from the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee. Each expert, affectionately referred to as a "Doc," addressed questions regarding their research efforts in the fight against cancer. Notably, Dr. Mariana X. Byndloss shared her passionate insights. She earned her D.V.M. and Ph.D. from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil. After completing her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Davis, Mariana established her lab in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2018. Her research focuses on whether early-life exposure to environmental risk factors, such as a Western-style diet or antibiotics, contributes to the onset of early colorectal cancer by altering gut microbiota.
Guests enjoy the Rock the V party at the Estate Yountville during the 26th Annual V Foundation Wine ... [+]
Friday commenced with the much-anticipated President’s and Vintner Grant Honoree Luncheon at the picturesque Stanly Ranch. This year's gathering held particular significance as it honored Ellie Anest, the innovative Founder and CEO of Eleven Eleven Winery, recognized for her exquisite wines and commitment to sustainability. In a heartwarming turn of events, the luncheon featured a surprise announcement of a grant named in honor of Wine Celebration Board Member and celebrated Tony Award-winning Broadway performer Christian Hoff. This grant aims to acknowledge Hoff's substantial contributions to cancer research, showcasing the vital intersection of arts and philanthropy. It was awarded to the esteemed Jonathan Peled, M.D., Ph.D., at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, highlighting the crucial work being done in cancer research and treatment. The day came to a head in an electrifying atmosphere at Rock the V, the grandest party of the Wine Celebration weekend, held at the Estate Yountville. This event brought together renowned restaurateurs, award-winning chefs, and Napa Valley vintners. The after party moved to the Estate Yountville Barrel Room at 10pm for the ever-popular Silent Disco to close out the night.
Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski kicks off the Gala Auction during the 26th Annual V Foundation Wine ... [+]
Saturday kicked off with the highly anticipated Krzyzewski Family Answer for Cancer Symposium, where attendees had a unique chance to engage directly with V Foundation grantees. These experts shared groundbreaking advancements in cancer research, significantly improving treatment options and patient care. The weekend culminated in an elegant Gala Dinner & Auction at Nickel & Nickel Winery, hosted by the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, alongside notable figures such as Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation, and Amy Marks Dornbusch, Chairwoman of the Wine Celebration. While all V Foundation events took place in Napa Valley, the organization ventured into Sonoma County to enlist acclaimed Chef Dustin Vallette. As the owner of The Matheson, Valette Restaurant, and Valette Wines, he is skilled in the art of pairing exquisite wines with fine dining which was on full display during the evening. Menu included:
VALETTE OSETRA CAVIAR
Buttermilk Brioche, Cured Egg Yolk, Uni Crème Fraîche
JCB "Caviar" Sparkling Wine
MI-CUIT ALASKAN HALIBUT
Sweet Corn, Padron Pepper, Oven Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette
Nickel & Nickel 2022 Grand Sky Single Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley Chardonnay
BROWN BUTTER ROASTED FILET MIGNON
Mushroom Fondue, Truffle Bordelaise, Fermented Garlic Nickel & Nickel 2020 Kenefick Ranch Single Vineyard, Calistoga, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
DARK CHOCOLATE PAVÉ
White Chocolate Snow, Cocoa Nib Crunch, Huckleberry
Nickel & Nickel 2020 State Ranch Single Vineyard, Yountville,
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Dolce 2017 - Napa Valley Late Harvest Wine
“Every year, the V Foundation Wine Celebration continues to make a lifesaving impact through the generosity of the Napa Valley community and beyond,” stated Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski. “Jimmy wanted to fund research to find cures for cancer and that’s really the basis for the V Foundation. Jimmy was also a coach, and he had a game plan. And the game plan is working, we just have to keep up with the plan.”
The live auction featured dozens of incredible lots. The evening’s highlights included a VIP experience for eight at the U.S. Open Semi-Finals and Finals in New York, hosted by Beth Nickel, which fetched an astounding $1.6 million. Other notable items included a country music festival & BBQ with Blakesley and Cyril Chappellet for $300,000, and a VIP Super Bowl LIX experience for four in New Orleans, generously supported by the Staglin Family, which sold for $200,000.
After all the lot items were secured, the evening concluded with the V Wine Celebration's Fund-a-Need paddle raise for colorectal cancer research, which successfully generated additional funds. By the time the final gavel sounded at the auction's close, an impressive total of $10.5 million had been raised to support lifesaving cancer research. It's been 31 years since we lost Jimmy V to cancer, but we all should be grateful that his game plan is still thriving.