ESPN set a fundraising record with its seventh "Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research" as the event drew more than $1.8 million in contributions for the V Foundation for Cancer Research during December.
That surpassed the previous mark of $1.59 million in 2012, and lifted the Jimmy V Week total to almost $8.25 million to date.
"How can we begin to describe how valuable V Week is to The V Foundation? It raises funding for vital cancer research, it reminds us of the urgency of our quest to end cancer, it engages media personalities, producers, sponsors and – so very importantly – viewers from around the country,” said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation. “In seven years, V Week has raised more than $8 million for The V Foundation. ESPN continues to raise the bar as a partner in this fight against cancer. There is simply no better ally. Everyone at The V Foundation is profoundly grateful."
Noted ESPN president John Skipper: “For 20 years, Jim's message has rallied us to help find a cure for this terrible disease. These extraordinary results again demonstrate that together with The V Foundation, our efforts can make a meaningful difference in this fight.”
The seventh Jimmy V Week initiative from Dec. 3-17 featured a simulcast of Jim Valvano’s iconic 1993 ESPYS speech across ESPN domestic networks, a slate of new public service announcements and special content and messaging across ESPN domestic platforms to drive donations. The V Foundation awards 100 percent of cash donations directly to cancer research.
