ESPN's Seventh Jimmy V Week Sets Fundraising Record: $1.8 Million

ESPN's seventh Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research set a fundraising record by generating more than $1.8 million ($1,827,000) in contributions for The V Foundation for Cancer Research during the month of December - surpassing the previous record of $1.59 million set in 2012. In seven years, Jimmy V Week has generated $8,246,000 in total contributions for The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

The record-setting total was announced by Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer, The V Foundation, and John Skipper, President, ESPN.

"How can we begin to describe how valuable V Week is to The V Foundation? It raises funding for vital cancer research, it reminds us of the urgency of our quest to end cancer, it engages media personalities, producers, sponsors and - so very importantly - viewers from around the country," said Braun. "In seven years, V Week has raised more than $8 million for The V Foundation. ESPN continues to raise the bar as a partner in this fight against cancer. There is simply no better ally. Everyone at The V Foundation is profoundly grateful."

"For 20 years, Jim's message has rallied us to help find a cure for this terrible disease," said Skipper. "These extraordinary results again demonstrate that together with The V Foundation, our efforts can make a meaningful difference in this fight."

The seventh Jimmy V Week initiative from December 3-17 featured a simulcast of Jim Valvano's iconic 1993 ESPYS speech across ESPN domestic networks, a slate of new public service announcements and special content and messaging across ESPN domestic platforms to drive donations. The V Foundation awards 100 percent of cash donations directly to 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 basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $115 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 strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About Team ESPN

TeamESPN, the corporate outreach program of ESPN, encompasses ESPN's multi-faceted initiatives, including volunteerism, corporate giving and cause marketing, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. Through Team ESPN, ESPN employees and fans join together to make a difference in the communities in which ESPN works. Its slogan is "Fans Helping Fans."(R)