March 13, 2023, Napa, CA — The V Foundation for Cancer Research raised over $4.2 million at the 2nd Annual Sonoma Epicurean weekend, held March 9 – 12 in Sonoma County’s renowned wine country. A signature series of events, Sonoma Epicurean featured curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans and world-class vintners, with a focus on lifestyle, wellness and sustainability. Proceeds from the event fund cancer research and related programs to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
The V Foundation’s wine country events in Sonoma County and Napa Valley have raised over $145 million for cancer research over the last 24 years. Overall, the V Foundation for Cancer Research has funded over $310 million in cancer research grants.
“The V Foundation funds outstanding cancer research and researchers,” stated Dr. Susanna F. Greer, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of the V Foundation. “Our funding model pairs intense competition with our goal to fund high risk, high reward research during the most challenging points in a researcher’s career. Events like Sonoma Epicurean ensure the
V Foundation continues our steady march to Victory Over Cancer.”
The event kicked off on Thursday, March 9th, with the Epicurean Winery Dinners, featuring Northern California’s finest chefs including Charlie Palmer of Dry Creek Kitchen and Hotel Healdsburg, Dustin Valette of Valette and The Matheson, and Thomas Bellac with Bricoleur Winery preparing antioxidant-rich menus perfectly paired with world-class wines from top Sonoma County vintners. Friday’s events featured the Artisan Series, where guests enjoyed a variety of fully immersive experiences, followed by the Epic Party at Mayacama, a weekend highlight where notable vintners shared their best vintages alongside cuisine from renowned regional chefs.
Saturday’s events included the Cancer Moonshot Breakfast and EpiCUREean Symposium, where guests engaged with scientists and researchers in a lively discussion on therapeutic resistance, culminating with the Epic Feast & Gala Auction at Montage Healdsburg, hosted by Super Bowl winning quarterback Russell Wilson and GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter, Ciara, and featuring Emmy award-winning radio & TV personality Liam Mayclem and GRAMMY & Tony award-winning entertainer Christian Hoff. A touching tribute to Hoff’s daughter Ella and her cancer journey kicked off the evening, followed by a heartfelt presentation by vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports and legendary four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, who has been dedicated to kids fighting cancer since founding the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation (JGCF) 24 years ago. Gordon was on-hand to announce a new partnership between JGCF and the V Foundation starting with a $1.5 million commitment from JGCF to co-fund three All-Star grants fueling pediatric cancer research prompting an extended standing ovation.
“I’ve learned from my years in auto racing that the way you go and attack a problem, and solve that problem, is to do it as a team,” said Gordon. We believe our collaboration with the V Foundation has the power to truly catapult discoveries in the treatment of childhood cancer.”
The 3rd Annual Sonoma Epicurean weekend will take place March 20-24, 2024. For more information, please visit sonomaepicurean.org.
About Sonoma Epicurean
Sonoma Epicurean is a signature series of events featuring curated and hands-on experiences with Michelin-star and award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners with focus on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability. Proceeds from the event will fund cancer research and related programs to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit sonomaepicurean.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. The Foundation has awarded more than $310 million in cancer research grants. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive award process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, visit v.org.
About Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation
Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1999 by vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports and four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon. Dedicated to supporting kids fighting cancer, Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation has granted more than $25 million to fund innovations that improve patients’ quality of life, treatment programs that increase survivorship, and medical research dedicated to finding a cure for the number one cause of death by disease for kids. To learn more about Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation or make a donation, visit jgcf.org.
