Dessert First to Honor Kay Yow

Fundraiser to be held May 1 benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research

Raleigh, N.C. – April 8, 2009 – Funds raised during Dessert First, a women’s fundraiser benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research, will support a cancer research grant honoring the beloved friend of Jimmy Valvano and former N.C. State women’s basketball coach Kay Yow. The grant funded by the event will specifically support endometrial cancer research being conducted by Dr. Paola A. Gehrig, M.D. and Dr. Victoria Bae-Jump, both from UNC Lienberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Capital Bank is the presenting sponsor for the second annual Dessert First event, which will be held on Friday, May 1, at the new Raleigh Marriott City Center. Supporting sponsors include Carolina Back Institute and PPD, Inc. 

Dessert First is dedicated to raising funds for women’s cancer research and the event theme is derived from a single concept: Life is short – indeed, eat dessert first! The evening will feature: artful dessert (first!) and dinner; entertainment; Nick Valvano as host; live and silent auctions; a word from a renowned local scientific cancer researcher and this year’s grant recipient, Dr. Paola A. Gehrig; and celebrity guest speaker Anne Thompson, NBC News chief environmental affairs correspondent.
Live auction packages include exotic trips, a makeover and shopping spree, fine dining and vintage wines, and a custom oil portrait by the famous William Branson. And, one very lucky lady will take home the cherished LOVE bracelet by Cartier.

The silent auction presents the latest in spring fashion, house wares, gifts, spa services, dining and art from around the Triangle region. New to Dessert First, a special section is dedicated to new, unique items from the O list recently featured in O Magazine and hand-picked by Oprah and her staff because “they’re just great!” A special collection of one-of-a-kind items remembering Kay Yow will also be presented. And, one special guest will win the prized Bailey’s Box containing the renowned Slane & Slane Bee Pendant on a double strand of freshwater pearls.

Tickets and event t-shirts are available at www.eatdessertfirst.info. Individual tickets can be purchased or guests may register as a Friend of V, which includes a personal invitation to a private party with keynote speaker and cancer survivor, Anne Thompson, one seat at Dessert First and a listing in the event program.
For additional information about the event, registration or sponsorship, please contact Shelley Kelly at 919.718.6506 x19 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, the legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $80 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received six consecutive top 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information about The V Foundation, or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.