The V Foundation Announces March Fundraising Initiatives for Cancer Research

Cary, NC [March 5, 2019] — The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is eager to announce fundraising initiatives for this month. Coinciding with March college basketball tournaments, Constellation Brands and Applebee’s Mid-Atlantic will each celebrate the late Jim Valvano’s “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”® spirit and offer numerous opportunities for supporters dedicated to declaring Victory Over Cancer®. Contributions from these initiatives will help the V Foundation fund the nation’s most innovative cancer researchers.

Constellation Brands, the company behind the iconic beer, wine and spirits brands that consumers have loved and celebrated with for more than 70 years, and its incredible network of distributor partners, have contributed over $15 million in donations and marketing support for the V Foundation since 2010. Through campaigns like “Your Corona Helps Make A Difference” and the “Sip and Slam” sweepstakes, Constellation encourages business partners, retailers and consumers alike to make a donation to share in their commitment to Victory Over Cancer®. This year, Constellation is proud to add a new element to its programs, awarding three research grants totaling $1.4 million in honor of its Gold Network distributor partners.

“We’re proud to have such a long-standing partnership with the V Foundation and Constellation is committed to fund research that will save even more lives,” said Jim Sabia, Chief Marketing Officer at Constellation Brands for Beer, Wine and Spirits. “Our employees and partners across the country continue to show unrelenting support for this cause, proving that the commitment to making a difference where we live and work is a top priority.”

In addition to the “Your Corona Helps Make A Difference” campaign and the “Sip and Slam” sweepstakes from Clos du Bois, Mark West, and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Constellation has teamed up with Rob Corddry, comedian and actor, and Omaze, an online fundraising platform, to raise funds for critical cancer research. Through Omaze, Corddry is offering fans the chance to join him on a private yacht in Southern California for a post-basketball getaway. For more information on the campaign and to enter for your chance to win visit www.omaze.com/corona.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Constellation which has donated millions over the years to the V Foundation in support of cancer research,” said Corddry.

“March is a month of challenges and champions,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “The V Foundation embraces March as a time to work with our partners and engage the public in funding research aimed at curing cancer.”

Applebee’s Mid-Atlantic has raised over $1.4 million for pediatric cancer research since 2006. The group operates 69 Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill restaurants across North Carolina and South Carolina. The 13^th annual March Hoops Fundraiser encourages diners to donate at least $1 to the V Foundation. For each $1 donation, guests receive a paper basketball to personalize and hang in the restaurant. In the spirit of tournament season, guests are given the option to choose from several paper basketballs that represent universities in their area.

“Applebee’s Mid-Atlantic is a proud sponsor of the V Foundation. Our commitment spans 13 years and we remain dedicated to helping fund research for new technologies and treatments for years to come. We take great pride in our ‘March Hoops Campaign’ and we are honored our guests are also able to join us in raising funds for this important and life-changing cause,” says Elizabeth McGee, Vice President Company Operations, Applebee’s Mid-Atlantic.

The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3 percent of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.

For more information about the V Foundation and how to get involved, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $225 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100 percent of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.