ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic Raises $1.15 Million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research

Total Funds Raised Surpasses $10 million in Event's 13 ^th Year

An increased total of $1.15 million in net proceeds was raised at the 2013 ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, it was announced by George Bodenheimer, Executive Chairman, ESPN. The 13 ^th annual event, which takes place at Pacific Palms in Industry Hills, Calif., has now surpassed the $10 million figure for total funds raised. Last year's event generated $1 million.

"There is great progress being made in the critical battle against cancer and the ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic is a memorable and significant day for the cause," Bodenheimer said. "This wonderful event brings together a dedicated group of celebrities, volunteers, sponsors and staff to be part of the growing Jimmy V team."

Susan Braun, V Foundation CEO, added, "We could not be more thankful to ESPN and to everyone who has come out for the ESPY Golf tournament for making this the most successful year yet.  It is a great way to combine fun and competition, while working to fund cancer research to help put an end to this dreaded disease."

Among the athletes and celebrities in attendance were Jim Brown, Brandi Chastain, Ryan Clady, Jason Collins, Terrell Davis, Lee Elder, Dennis Haysbert, Lou Holtz, Bruce Jenner, Greg Jennings, Lolo Jones, Joffrey Lupul, Kathryn Newton, Chandler Parsons, Christian Ponder, Jeremy Schaap, Stuart Scott, Hope Solo, Golden Tate, Tommy Tuberville, J.J. Watt, Dereck Whittenburg, Kellen Winslow, Sr., Mike Woodson and many more.

Don't Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Auction

Also this week, the ninth annual "Don't Give Up ESPYS V Foundation Auction" is being held through Wednesday, July 17. The online and on-air public auction features hundreds of items and experiences for bid to raise money and awareness for The V Foundation for Cancer Research. A majority of the nearly 200 experiences and items in the auction will be available online via www.espnradio.com or ebay.com (through July 17) while a total of 18 fan "experiences" will be auctioned live on air across ESPN Radio's national shows on July 17 from 6 a.m. - 12 a.m. ET. Listeners can call 1-800-4JimmyV or log onto www.jimmyv.org to both donate and bid on items and experiences in the radio-thon, with the highest bidder at 59 minutes past each hour winning the experience. One new highlight for this year is a 3 For V Experience - an opportunity to attend a Monday Night Football game of your choice along with behind-the-scenes experience and tour, abackstage experience during a College GameDay game, and an in-studio experience with Mike & Mike, complete with a VIP tour of the ESPN studios in Bristol, Conn.

ESPYS

The V Foundation events coincide with the 2013 ESPYS, which will be televised live Wednesday, July 17, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN from Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. The ESPYS, hosted by Jon Hamm, gather top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances. In addition, The ESPYS honor ESPN's commitment to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a partnership launched with the late Jim Valvano at the inaugural ESPYS in 1993.  Dick and Rick Hoyt, a father and son team who have been participating in races together for more than 30 years, will be presented the Jimmy V Perseverance Award.

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 funded more than $100 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 strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org .