For a 12th consecutive year, ESPN’s V Week for Cancer Research— beginning on Giving Tuesday, November 27, and running through December 8th.
All proceeds will go directly to cancer research and related programs. Last year, V Week raised a record $4.5 million, bringing the 11-year total of contributions to more than $22.2 million.
“The 2018 V Week is set up to be our best yet as we impose some serious style into our fundraising efforts — celebrating the legendary panache of the 2016 V Perseverance Award winner Craig Sager and giving sports fans access to some very impressive shoes from the top stars in basketball,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “We’re excited to once again use ESPN’s reach and resources to bring ever-important funds and awareness for cancer research.”
The 2018 V Week will feature three new initiatives to raise funds for the V Foundation:
Kicks to Beat Cancer (Nov. 26-Dec. 6): ESPN commentator and professional athletes are putting their “kicks” to good use by reaching into their extensive shoe collections and donating a signed pair to be auctioned off in support of the V Foundation. NBA and WNBA stars past and present have donated their shoes, including Kobe Bryant, DeMarcus Cousins, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Boban Marjanovic, Candace Parker, Chris Paul, Paul Pierce, Scottie Pippen, Tracy McGrady, Jalen Rose and PJ Tucker. Additionally, ESPN’s NBA host Michelle Beadle, Syracuse Head Coach Jim Boeheim, and Duke’s all-time leading head coach and Hall of Famer, Mike Krzyzewski, will also be donating their shoes. The Jump will showcase an exclusive look into a few of these stars closets and get a closer look at their impressive collections.
Craig Sager Style Day (Nov. 29-30): In honor of famed sports reporter Craig Sager, who lost his battle with cancer in 2016, ESPN, NBA on TNT and NBA TV on-air commentators will wear jackets and clothing that capture Craig’s signature “Sager Style.” The two-day initiative celebrating Sager’s love of life and outrageous fashion will be featured on the NBA doubleheader, Rockets at Spurs (Friday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. ET) and Nuggets at Blazers (Friday, Nov. 30 at 10:30 p.m.). In addition, two of Sager’s own game-worn jackets will be up for auction.
WeRateDogs “h*ck cancer” Campaign (Nov. 27-Dec. 8): Sports fans love their dogs, and ESPN hopes to harness that passion by teaming up with WeRateDogs to drive awareness to the V Foundation’s canine comparative oncology initiative and highlight dogs who are currently fighting cancer. WeRateDogs has created custom merchandise with the slogan “h*ck cancer” and will donate 100% of net proceeds from these sales to the V Foundation.
Also during V Week, NFL Countdown will highlight one very special pair of shoes showcasing the V Foundation as part of the NFL’s ‘My Cause My Cleats’ program. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins will sport the V Foundation cleats during the Week 13 match up vs. the Oakland Raiders.