ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic Raises Record $1.1 Million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research

ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic Raises Record $1.1 Million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2006 ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic, held today at Lost Canyons Golf Club in Simi Valley, Calif., raised a record $1.1 million in net proceeds for The V Foundation for Cancer Research; it was announced by George Bodenheimer, Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks and President, ESPN and ABC Sports. The milestone fundraising total was the highest for the event, which is in its fifth year at Lost Canyons. The special check presentation featured Bodenheimer along with Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation and brother of the late Jim Valvano, former North Carolina State Basketball coach and ESPN commentator who co-founded the Foundation with ESPN.

"We are thrilled to exceed every previous year's fundraising achievements," Bodenheimer said. "This would not be possible without so many celebrities, sponsors and volunteers who are committed to eradicate this disease which has claimed too many family members and friends."

A variety of top sports and entertainment celebrities were on hand for the ESPY Golf Classic, which will be featured on ESPN Classic, August 13 at 11 a.m. ET. Each year, the fundraising efforts for the ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic at Lost Canyons have significantly increased. The first year (2002) generated $125,000, followed by $250,000 (2003), $500,000 (2004) and $1,000,000 in 2005. The event was coordinated by Tony Renaud, Pete Webber and Susan Van Hooser in association with Team ESPN, which encompasses ESPN's corporate outreach initiatives, including corporate giving, community relations, cause-related marketing, and above all, employee volunteerism -- fans helping fans in their communities.

The V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano. The Foundation has raised more than $50 million and has awarded hundreds of cancer research grants nationwide. The Foundation operates efficiently, with 83 cents of every dollar raised available directly for research over the past five years. To learn more about The V Foundation, visit www.jimmyv.org or call 1-800-4JIMMYV.

Source: ESPN

CONTACT: Josh Krulewitz of ESPN, +1-860-766-2000,
josh.krulewitz@espn.com

Web site: http://www.jimmyv.org/

NOTE TO EDITORS: PHOTOS AVAILABLE at www.prphotodesk.com/espygolf

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