Fundraiser benefits women's cancer initiative at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center 

May  27, 2009

CARY, N.C.- On May 1 more than four hundred women gathered at the Raleigh Marriott City Center to enjoy life’s sweet and simple pleasures at The V Foundation’s Dessert First.

By participating in the event guests joined together to support women’s cancer research initiatives.  This year’s event was held in honor of the late Kay Yow, a dear friend and colleague of Jim Valvano, who never gave up in her fight against cancer.  Kay Yow’s perseverance as a cancer patient and fighter has carried her legacy through events such as Dessert First. 

“Kay was a dear friend of The V Foundation, and she is sorely missed by us all,” says Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation.  “This event is a prime example of the community coming together to support a wonderful cause and remember a friend.”

Guest speaker and cancer survivor, Anne Thompson, NBC News’ chief environmental affairs correspondent, shared the importance of supporting cancer research.  Nick Valvano, host of the event, presented the grant given from the proceeds of this year’s Dessert First to Dr. Paola Gehrig and Dr. Victoria Bae-Jump at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Dr. Gehrig and Dr. Bae-Jump are working on a research project to lead to breakthroughs with endometrial cancer.

Dr. Gehrig says, "The V Foundation has been instrumental in the research that we at UNC have been able to conduct on endometrial cancer.  This event and others like it which focus on women's cancers are pivotal in increasing awareness and raising funds.  In today's increasingly competitive environment, start up funds are critical to get preliminary data with which one can apply for larger grants, which we have been very successful in doing.  I appreciate and applaud The V Foundation."

Following an extensive silent auction, guests enjoyed dessert.  Participants had the chance to bid on live auction items such as a portrait by Mr. William Branson, a vintage wine dinner featuring chef Ashley Christensen, a wine dinner for eight at The Mint Restaurant in downtown Raleigh, and a Cancun getaway.  In addition, guests were able to purchase $100 raffle tickets with the chance to win the Cartier Love Bracelet. 

For more information about The V Foundation for Cancer Research, log on to www.jimmyv.org or call

1-800-4JimmyV.

About The V Foundation for Cancer Research

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.