Eighth Annual Virginia Vine Raises $1.17 Million for V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, raised $1.17 million at this weekend’s eighth annual Virginia Vine event in Middleburg, Virginia. Since 2016, Virginia Vine has raised more than $5 million to support game-changing cancer research. This year’s proceeds will go directly toward grants dedicated to therapeutic resistance research. Continued research in this area is paramount as up to 90% of cancer-related deaths can be attributed to therapeutic resistance.

"This weekend we raised both critical funds for cancer and celebratory glasses of wine in support of cutting-edge research funded by the V Foundation,” said Virginia Vine Chair and V Foundation Board Member Julie Chase. “I am honored to be part of this incredible initiative that brings cancer thrivers, oncologists, researchers, wine enthusiasts, philanthropists, and sports stars together as we work to accelerate the pace toward achieving Jim’s dream of Victory Over Cancer®. I am inspired by the unwavering dedication and generosity of our supporters."

The Virginia Vine auction dinner was held at the Stone Tower Winery Sparkling House on Saturday evening and was hosted by entrepreneur, former Washington quarterback, and Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann. Throughout the dinner, featuring carefully selected regional food and wine pairings, 15 exclusive experiences were bid on in a live auction, including the John Legend package, which was the top item of the night.In addition, the Gala honored Lacey, Kristi and Mike Huber with the Virginia Vine Visionary Award.

"Continuing to host Virginia Vine is an honor,” said Joe Theismann. “I know firsthand the importance of supporting cancer research and providing hope to those who are facing this devastating disease. I am grateful to be a part of this extraordinary event that honors the legacy of my great friend Jim Valvano, and I am in awe of the work being done by all-star scientists funded by the V Foundation to conquer cancer."

Event attendees also enjoyed a casual gathering on Friday evening with food and wine from 13 local winery and restaurant partners and a performance by rising country music star Honey County. Saturday morning, the V Foundation held two Voices for Victory panels at the Salamander Resort & Spa hosted by NBC Sports’ Terry Gannon and William Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., immediate past chair of the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee. Gannon hosted the sports panel including Curtis Strange, 17-time PGA TOUR winner and back-to-back U.S. Open Champion, and Jason Wright, president of the Washington Commanders.

Strange and Wright spoke about the importance of sports in bringing people together and the power of teamwork in cancer research. Dr. Nelson, who is director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, facilitated the scientific panel that included Dr. Ashwani Rajput, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Mohammad Fallahi-Sichani, Ph.D., University of Virginia, and Joseph Landry, Ph.D., VCU Massey Cancer Center. Sichani and Landry are past V Foundation-funded scientists, and the panel discussion focused on the work being done to push cancer treatment forward, make it more personalized, and the V Foundation’s unique ability to support young researchers who have new, innovative ideas and are willing to take the risks needed to accelerate Victory Over Cancer®.

Sponsors of the event included mission partners Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, VCU Massey Cancer Center, and UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center , gold sponsor Stone Tower Winery, wine country sponsor McGuire Woods, Voices for Victory sponsor Washington Speakers Bureau, and bronze sponsors AT&T, Brandito, Constellation Brands, CMG Home Loans, EY, Fortessa Tableware Solutions, Loudoun Economic Development, Transperfect, Visit Loudoun, Visit Virginia, and Wealthspire Advisors.

The V Foundation is one of the nation’s top-rated cancer research charities, receiving 11 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator., placing it among the top 2% of all charities. For more information on the V Foundation’s signature events or to donate, visit v.org.