ESPN’s third annual ESPY Day to benefit The V Foundation raised more than $3.9 million for cancer research, including $1.4 million that will be directed to the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which encourages cutting-edge research for minority populations suffering from cancer.

ESPY Day — a day-long fundraising drive across multiple ESPN platforms — included the 12th annual ESPN Radio ESPY Day Auction, the 16th annual ESPY Golf Outing, the Omaze Sweepstakes and the second annual Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards. To date, ESPY-related fundraising efforts have totaled $14 million.

Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship, stated, “We are truly proud of the collective ESPY Day efforts and the incredible response from sports fans. The V Foundation is fueled by important initiatives like these and the spectacular results will make a significant difference in people’s lives. All in all, it was a wonderful showcase for how the power of sports can be harnessed to ENSPIRE positive change in our society.”

The fundraising total includes a $1.25 million partnership with The V Foundation and retired figure skater Scott Hamilton, which will be awarded to immunology cancer research to fund research grants and young investigators over a two-year period. Contributions on ESPY Day also included $785,000 raised during the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards, $660,000 raised during the ESPY Celebrity Golf Outing, $646,420 by the ESPY Day Radio Auction, $435,901 in public donations, $102,240 from the Omaze Sweepstakes, $13,387 from eBay customers through its “Give at Checkout” program and $7,265 directly from ESPN employees.

President of ESPN, John Skipper, identified that “through the lasting words of Jim Valvano, Robin Roberts, Stuart Scott and so many others, the ESPY Awards have always provided a wonderfully inspirational forum. In turn, these meaningful events held during ESPY week will have a lasting impact by strongly supporting The V Foundation and the critical fight against cancer.”

About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.

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 basketball coach and ESPN commentator.  Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $150 million in cancer research grants nationwide.  It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs.  Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses.  The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process vetted by a world-renowned Scientific Advisory Committee.  For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

ESPN Contact: Josh Krulewitz at (860) 766-2319; [email protected]; @jksports
Belen Michelis at (860) 766-1425; [email protected] @belen_espn