Don’t just make a difference – Make an Epic Difference.
The second annual Sonoma Epicurean was a smash hit, proving once again that The V Foundation has the best supporters and partners around. Held March 9th – 12th in Sonoma County’s renowned wine country, the foundation brought together a tight-knit community, like a class reunion – but with fancier wine!
Donors are always important, but these folks took it to another level with their dedication and generosity. It was the talk of the town, with guests raving about the quality of the occasion, the camaraderie felt between attendees and the bespoke wine experiences. Wine, fun, and philanthropy – what’s not to love?
Watching $4.2 million dollars being raised was truly inspiring, especially here in Wine Country California. The whole vibe was one of camaraderie and hope for a better future. Honestly, it was enough to make even the most skeptical person believe that real change is possible.
Whether it’s your own story or that of a loved one, we’ve all been touched by cancer in some way.
Sonoma County was the perfect place to host – a wine and food lovers dream location. This spectacular weekend culminated 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. Including a heartfelt presentation by legendary NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, who founded the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation (JGCF) 24 years ago. Gordon was on-hand to announce a new partnership between JGCF and the V with a $1.5 million commitment to co-fund three All-Star grants fueling cancer research!!
“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.”
Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Champion
Donors and partners came together to raise an impressive amount, and the event itself left guests singing its praises. It was the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a difference. Thanks to the support of The V Foundation, earlier diagnoses, better understanding of the causes, and targeted therapies aim to keep quality of life in mind while eliminating the disease.
When cancer enters the ring, it’s like going up against an undefeated champion. It can feel lonely and overwhelming. But with The V Foundation & Sonoma Epicurean event, there’s no need to fight alone. We’re cheering from the sidelines, ready to support anyone who steps into the ring. Together, we can take on even the toughest opponents. Wine Country really showed up.
Thanks to The V Foundation’s support, cancer diagnosis and prognosis have improved dramatically in the past 29 years. We now have earlier diagnoses, a deeper understanding of cancer causes, and therapies that can combat the disease while keeping patients healthy. The power of giving.
The V Foundation has been dishing out cash grants for cancer research since ’94 and they’re not stopping anytime soon! They even have a fancy Scientific Advisory Committee to pick the lucky recipients. But they don’t just throw money around willy-nilly, they make sure it goes to the most promising people and projects.
And it’s no easy feat for scientists to snag a grant from them – the selection process is highly competitive. But the V Foundation isn’t just funding research on a national level – they’re also passionate about supporting local projects in the Bay Area and Napa Valley. Their grants have supported Queen of the Valley Hospital, St. Helena Hospital, Ole Health, UCSF Medical Center, UC Davis School of Medicine, and Stanford Medical Center. With this level of dedication, it’s clear that the V Foundation is truly invested in the fight against cancer.
The V Foundation’s wine country events in Sonoma County and Napa Valley themselves have raised over $145 million for cancer research. Overall, the V Foundation for Cancer Research has funded over $310 million in cancer research grants. Celebrating 30 years of ‘Never Giving Up.’ The V Foundation chose the perfect locale for its 30th year celebrations – the picturesque city of Healdsburg. Renowned for its top-notch accommodations, award-winning vintages, and Michelin-starred dining experiences, Sonoma County’s Wine Country proved to be an impeccable choice for such a momentous event.
For three days straight, the Sonoma Epicurean event series showcased just how much commitment, passion, and generosity can drive positive change. This wasn’t just any run-of-the-mill event, either.
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 Resort, a weekend highlight where notable vintners shared their best vintages alongside cuisine from renowned regional chefs.
With each year, this event brings supporters together to learn, organize, and get motivated to make a difference. The live auction gala was the cherry on top, with rare and incredible lots up for bid that would make any wine lover’s heart skip a beat.
Step into a world of wonder and joy as we come together to make a difference in the vibrant community of Sonoma County. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with surprises and delights, all in the spirit of giving.
Thanks to the remarkable generosity and support from the Sonoma County wine community, sponsor partners, donors, guests, and dedicated volunteers, the event was truly spectacular. The attendees were truly a part of something incredible!
Show your support and join us at next year’s Sonoma Epicurean Event – one of California’s greatest culinary feasts with an inspiring cause. Enjoy copious amounts of wine, food, and breathtaking views as we raise money to make a difference in the fight against cancer. And most importantly, use this opportunity to form a lasting connection with other individuals who share our passion to find a cure.
Get ready for a stunning event that leaves you feeling inspired to spur change.
Ending cancer, working with the best scientists worldwide and peer-reviewed process in place – this is the V Foundation’s mission. Let’s not forget our local heroes, by joining forces for one night of elegance supporting an amazing event – Sonoma Epicurean. So raise your hand: are you ready to become part of the movement?
Together we provide hope, together we will find victory over cancer.
The 3rd Annual Sonoma Epicurean weekend will take place March 20-24, 2024. For more information, please visit sonomaepicurean.org.
Some Closing Thoughts…
No one should ever have to watch their child suffer from the ravages of cancer. Yet, every year more and more children are diagnosed with this horrible disease. Fortunately, there is hope. The V Foundation is dedicated to saving lives by funding game-changing research and all-star scientists that accelerate Victory Over Cancer®. With over $310 million in cancer research grants provided since its formation in 1993, the V Foundation is one of the premier supporters of cutting-edge cancer research seeking a cure.
Through generous donations, the V Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses so that every penny of each donation goes directly towards researching a cure for cancer. We need your help now more than ever to support the amazing work they do and help bring hope to those affected by this devastating illness.
Your donation can make all the difference in helping fund life-saving treatments and research developments that could one day put an end to cancers once and for all. Your gift will provide support to patients fighting tirelessly against this awful disease as well as their families who are struggling alongside them. You don’t have to be an expert in medicine or science – by donating you are making an invaluable contribution towards finding a cure for pediatric cancer, bringing joy back into people’s lives again and giving them a chance at a healthy future free from illness.
The reality is this: cancer does not discriminate against age or location – it can strike anywhere and at any time. Donating to the V Foundation is one way we can help suffering from this terrible disease and make a difference. These families are facing uncertainty and pain each day. Your donation will make it possible for medical professionals to work together towards finding new treatments and cures for cancer, allowing the future generation a fighting chance against this deadly illness.
Your support will go a long way in helping us achieve Victory Over Cancer®!
SONOMA EPICUREAN – A signature series of events, with 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.
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.
