RALEIGH -- If you're a sports fan you've probably heard of the ESPY Awards. But thanks to a national non-profit based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the week surround the ESPY's has turned into a time of awareness and fundraising for some incredible causes. 

Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair sat down with the CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Susan Braun, for an inside look at this year's celebration and how we can get involved. 

The V Foundation was started in honor of former NC State Head Men's Basketball Coach Jim Valvano following his awe inspiring message of hope as he battled cancer during the ESPY awards many years ago. Unfortunately, Valvano lost that fight, but his message to find a cure has continued on through in the foundation that bears his name.  

Now, fast forward to today, and the week surrounding the show has turned into a true philanthropic undertaking.  From ESPY Day on July 18, the 14th annual ESPY Auction that runs July 8 - 18, the 18th annual ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic on July 17, and the Sports Humanitarian Awards on July 17, there are so many ways that we can give back to find a cure.  

This year’s show will be hosted by former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick.  And on ESPY Day, all ESPN platforms will push for donations from the public to help benefit the V Foundation for Cancer research. One hundred percent of direct donations to the V Foundation will benefit cancer research. And during the special event, former Buffalo Bills quarterback and Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, will be honored with the Jimmy V Perserverance Award. In 2013, Kelly was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in his jaw, that he has battled the fearlessly the last five years. Unfortunately in March of this year, Kelly announced his oral cancer has returned.  But he continues his fight, and is being honored for his push to overcome such a great obstacle through perseverance and determination.

Another way to get involved is through the ESPY Auction. During the 10 day event, viewers can bid on ESPN experiences and incredible sports memorabilia.  Some of the auction highlights include the following, and benefit the V Foundation:  

o  Pitch Lunch with Dallas Mavericks’ Owner Mark Cuban

§ This experience gives you and a guest the chance to meet and greet over a one-hour lunch with Mark Cuban and the opportunity to pitch a business idea or concept to Mark himself

o  Coach Experience with Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski

§ This experience gives you and three guests the chance to attend a Duke University Men’s Basketball Home Game at Cameron Indoor Stadium (4 game tickets), meet and greet with Coach K, a VIP tour of the Duke Athletic Facility, and an autographed copy of Coach K’s book “Leading with the Heart”

o  Announce a Selection at the 2019 NFL Draft

§ This experience gives you and a guest the chance to attend the 2019 NFL Draft, receive (2) tickets to the Draft on April 25, 26 and 27, 2019, announce the seventh round draft selection live on main NFL Draft podium (one person), meet ESPN’s NFL Draft broadcast team and take a VIP, behind-the-scenes tour of ESPN’s broadcast compound

o  2019 Wimbledon Experience

§ This experience gives you and a guest the chance to attend the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Semifinals and Championships at Wimbledon, receive (2) tickets to the Semifinal match up, receive (2) tickets to the Championships, enjoy ESPN’s on-site VIP Suite, take a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, take a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of ESPN’s onsite broadcast compound and a meet and greet with ESPN’s broadcast team

Information courtesy: V Foundation for Cancer Research  

This year’s ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic also hits close to home for North Carolina.  UNC alum and longtime EPSN sportscaster Stuart Scott, is being posthumously honored and remembered following his battle with cancer, with proceeds benefiting the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund.  This year’s play will take place July 17 in Los Angeles, hosted by Chris Berman.  So far, nearly $7 million has been awarded in grants, through the foundation.

Also on July 17, the ESPY’s will host the Sports Humanitarian Awards, hosted by sportscaster Hannah Storm and boxing legend Laila Ali.  The strong and independently fierce women will help lead the charge in celebrating and honor leagues, team members and individuals in the sports community that are using their fame, influence and even money for social good.  This event also benefits the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund.  

If you would like to learn more about the ESPY Awards or to donate or learn more about the V Foundation for Cancer Research, visit their website.

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