NAPA VALLEY, CA — The V Foundation for Cancer Research 2024 Wine Celebration, held from August 1-4 in Napa Valley, raised $10.5 million. Since its inception in 1999, the Wine Celebration, presented by JaM Cellars, has generated over $168 million to fund cancer research.
The 26th annual event was hosted by Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, the former head coach of Duke University Men’s Basketball and V Foundation board member. Over 500 guests attended, celebrating the legacy of V Foundation founder Jim Valvano and his famous rallying cry, “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”
“Every year, the V Foundation Wine Celebration continues to make a lifesaving impact through the generosity of the Napa Valley community and beyond,” Krzyzewski said. “Jimmy wanted to fund research to find cures for cancer, and that’s really the basis for the V Foundation."
The festivities began on Thursday with the popular Dinner with the Docs, where guests dined with V Foundation grantees and world-class oncology experts from the Scientific Advisory Committee.
Friday’s events included the President’s and Vintner Grant Honoree Luncheon at Stanly Ranch, honoring Ellie Anest, Founder & CEO of Eleven Eleven Winery. The luncheon featured a surprise announcement: a grant named in honor of Wine Celebration Board Member and Tony Award-winning performer Christian Hoff, awarded to Dr. Jonathan Peled of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The day concluded with Rock the V, a lively party at Estate Yountville, featuring renowned chefs, vintners, and a Silent Disco in the historic Barrel Room.
Saturday started with the Krzyzewski Family Answer for Cancer Symposium, where attendees learned about the latest advances in cancer research from V grantees.
The weekend culminated in a Gala Dinner & Auction at Nickel & Nickel Winery, hosted by Krzyzewski, Shane Jacobson (CEO of the V Foundation), Amy Marks Dornbusch (Chairwoman of the Wine Celebration), and ESPN analyst Chris Spatola. Gala Chef Dustin Valette prepared a memorable dinner paired with Nickel & Nickel wines.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Spirit of Jimmy V Award” to George Bodenheimer, former ESPN president, in recognition of his dedication to the V Foundation’s mission.
The live auction featured numerous high-value items, including a VIP experience for eight at the US Open Semi-Finals and Finals in New York, which fetched a winning bid of $1.6 million.
Other notable lots included a country music festival and BBQ with Blakesley and Cyril Chappellet, and a VIP Super Bowl LIX experience for four in New Orleans with the Staglin Family.
The auction concluded with the Fund-a-Need paddle raise for colorectal cancer research, bringing the total amount raised to $10.5 million.
The 27th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration is scheduled for July 31-August 3, 2025.
