(Edited press release)
The Breeders’ Cup announced June 1 it has selected The V Foundation for Cancer Research as its primary non-profit beneficiary for the 26th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, to be held Nov. 6-7 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. The Breeders’ Cup has set a goal to raise a minimum of $100,000 for The V Foundation, the organization founded by ESPN and Jim Valvano in 1993.
In addition to The V Foundation, the Breeders’ Cup will continue to support equine charities such as the Thoroughbred Charities, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, CARMA, and The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, among others.
Fans will have the opportunity to make contributions to The V Foundation when purchasing tickets for this year’s Breeders’ Cup as part of the new online ticket process. Breeders’ Cup Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, June 5.
In addition to the ticket promotion, The V Foundation will participate in the weeklong series of events at the Breeders’ Cup, both on and off the track in a variety of ways. They include:
--Information locations on-site at Santa Anita about the foundation
--Involvement with the Thursday kickoff Breeders’ Cup Winner’s Circle Celebration
--Activities on and off-site that will allow fans, corporations and private donors to participate in the fundraising efforts
--Digital marketing promotions
--Promotional activities surrounding the 2009 ESPY Awards
--Hosting an event in Los Angeles with Breeders’ Cup sponsor Sentient Flight Group
--Coverage of the charitable activity during ESPN/ABC’s telecast of the 2009 championships in the U.S. and abroad and during the Breeders’ Cup simulcast show
--Special auction items
“The V Foundation is a remarkable charity that in a relatively short time has made extraordinary strides in cancer research,” said Greg Avioli, Breeders’ Cup president and CEO. “We are honored to extend our relationship with ESPN through this very important cause that changes people’s lives.”
George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports and a V Foundation board member, commented, “Cancer touches too many of our families and friends. I am grateful that the Breeders’ Cup family is joining us to find cures. Together we will make a powerful difference.”
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% of direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs.
