Whether it’s the University of Maryland’s Delta Chi Movers, Arizona State University’s Pancake Social, Florida State University’s Earthball or the University of Washington’s Sun Splash, these events all over the country are not just raising money for cancer research but raising awareness about the mission of The V Foundation.

This August, The V Foundation’s CEO Nick Valvano will be attending their national convention in Pittsburgh. He will be speaking and accepting a check for their donations for the past two years. Delta Chi pledged $150,000, and they are well on their way to accomplishing that goal.

Just as Jim Valvano quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson in his 1993 ESPY Speech, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm,” and we appreciate the men of Delta Chi’s enthusiasm and support for The V Foundation. 

The promotion will run from February 20 to April 2, and for every new “like,” Hooters will donate $1 to The V Foundation.

Hooters has been a V Foundation partner since 2002 and has raised more than $2.1 million for breast cancer research.

So, wait a few days and mark your calendar … and if your boss sees you on Facebook on February 20, just let them know you are funding cancer research, and ask them to like the Hooters page too!

The V Foundation has raised more than $120 million for cancer research.

Since 1994, we have awarded over 450 research grants in more than 100 prominent research institutions nationwide.

Although it is important to look back and realize what we have accomplished, it is more important to recognize that we could not have done this without donations, community events and support from the community.

Whether it’s collecting donations at a local basketball game or the “Find A Cure” promotion from Corona, we are grateful for the support and donations we have received in the community.

As we move forward, we applaud everyone for their efforts to reaching $120 million and look forward to the next $120 million for cancer research. 

Maybe at this moment you are checking out our Twitter and Facebook and you are kind of shocked. How do we barely have 10,000 followers or almost 13,000 fans? Shouldn’t we have more?

If you are reading this blog, there is a good chance you are a Facebook Fan or Twitter Follower already but here’s why you should help us get those numbers higher.

We tweet/status update about our V Scholars and other grant recipients. The people who are making a difference and getting us closer to a cure- that is who we are talking about.

We tweet/status update about our community events- not just the big ones. We talk about the Suits & Sneakers night in Florida or the Peak City Gala in Cary. Not only are we promoting these events but maybe one person who reads about these events will decide to host his or her own event. And just like that- we are raising more money for cancer research.

We tweet/status update about our partnerships. There are tons of sports figures, celebrities and brands that are helping us raise money for cancer research and we are so grateful and appreciative for these partnerships. Therefore, we want you to know about them.

So, if those aren’t 3 great reasons why you should follow us or fan us or tell your friends to, I can’t think of any better. Oh, wait. The V Foundation awards 100% of all direct donations to cancer research and related programs. Does it get any better than that?

This Friday, in Lambertville, New Jersey, Mitchells Bar is hosting a Phase 3 Rocks Against Cancer event. The event is a fundraiser and helps raise awareness in support of local friends and family with cancer. 

On Saturday, the Aviation Poker Run will take place in Louisburg, North Carolina. All the participants will meet at the Triangle North Executive Airport at the end of the week and prizes will be given out for the best and worst hand.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Guilford College’s men’s basketball game will host Jimmy V. night. There will be a silent auction and all ticket purchases will benefit The V Foundation.

Also on February 15 in Silver Creek, New York, the girls of Silver Creek High School will host a “Pink Out the Gym” event. The junior varsity and varsity team will wear pink uniforms to raise money and awareness about cancer research.

On February 21-22 in Raleigh, North Carolina, the HR Management Conference will collect donations for The V Foundation at the conference.

Finally, our last community event in February will be in Laramie, Wyoming on February 25. The University of Wyoming will sell t-shirts to benefit The V Foundation in the first ever Cowboys vs. Cancer event. The Wyoming Cowboys will take on Boise State at 2 p.m. and host a “white out” to encourage people to buy The V Foundation shirts.

As you can see there are many ways that you can help The V Foundation. No community event is too big or too small and every dollar counts.

Now that we have your interest, check on the community events page and download the Event Planner Guide. What event will you plan? 

Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Corona and The V Foundation are partnering together in the fight against cancer this basketball season with “Help Find A Cure.”

From March 12 to April 2, participating bars and restaurants will be selling these paper basketballs. 100 percent of the donations will go directly to fund cancer research throughout the country through The V Foundation. 

You can donate in stores too! Just scan the QR code on the Corona display and make your donation.

Who knew after a tough day at work, you could still save a life with your Corona Light? 

Well it might shock you that the American Cancer Society reported that last year more than 20% of adults are still smoking. Also, obesity is more than 20% of the population in every state except Colorado. So, when I tell you to eat more fruits and veggies, I might not be so crazy.

Throughout the month, our Twitter and Facebook accounts will have different cancer prevention tweets and statuses. While we continue to fight for the cure, we have to take control of the other side of the matter- prevention.

Here are our Top 5 Cancer Prevention Tips: 

1) Eat Fruits and Veggies! Write down everything you eat for a day. If you can’t find 5 fruits and veggies in your meal plan- make a goal for the next day to do it!

2) Ask your doctor questions about screening and other tips! Have you seen those commercials were the person asks a million questions about electronics and then asks the doctor none? Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTo_KS88D1I. Ask your doctor questions. 

3) Be safe in the sun! Don’t just wear sunscreen- reapply often. It’s not enough to put it on once for the whole day.

4) Know your history! We all think we know our family history but have you given it to your doctor? Do you really have all the facts?

5) Finally- Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke! When I was growing up I remember having to specify smoking or non-smoking in a restaurant. Now in some places it’s not even an option. We have come a long way but we aren’t there yet!

The inaugural V Ties Collection will spotlight seven different sports legends; Jim Valvano, Jerry Rice, Bobby Orr, Dick Vitale, Chris Berman, Coach K and Mario Andretti.  Each tie will represent something unique about each person. For Jim Valvano, the tie has an image of the victory “V” that Jim would do after every win. Dick Vitale’s Diaper Dandy Tie has a top hat on a basketball. Like I said, this collection of ties will be something that your dad, brother, uncle or husband will want to wear. 

You can find the V Ties Collection starting February 15^th in more than 400 stores nationwide and online. The ties will cost between $40-$60. Throughout the year, new ties will be released for more sports legends.

I have already made my list; Jim Valvano for my dad, Dick Vitale for my brother…what are you waiting for? 

On Wednesday, January 25, the Winter X Games in Aspen is hosting an event to benefit The V Foundation and Boarding for Breast Cancer. Winter X Games athletes will be there along with live music, a silent auction and opportunities to win many different prizes. 

Of our seven X Games athletes, some have felt the direct effects of cancer. Jen Hudak, a pro skier, stated, “Cancer research grows in importance every year, and now having dealt with cancer directly in my dad’s fight, that importance couldn’t be any clearer.”

Our seven athletes are Jen Hudak, Mat Hoffman, Tricia Byrnes, Kenny Bartram, Ryan Nyquist, Tucker Hibbert and Levi Lavallee. Tricia and Jen are competing in the Winter X Games starting Thursday, January 26. Make sure you check the two of them out!