ESPN Radio’s “Don’t Ever Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Auction” Raises Record $1.1 Million

$57,100 Bid For Mike and Mike To Broadcast From A Listener’s Home and Hospital Officials Match Bid

July 22, 2008 -- The fourth annual ESPN Radio “Don’t Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Auction” set a record by raising $1,130,314 for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a 323% increase from the inaugural event’s total of $201,000 in 2005. The event has raised more money each year ($435,770 in 2006 and $851,036 last year). More than 200 items and experiences were auctioned off either online or as part of an on-air radiothon Wednesday, July 16.

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One highlight was the unique experience of the Mike and Mike in the Morning radio program (and television simulcast) originating from a listener’s home. The winning bid of $57,100, the largest for any item, was submitted by Marta Maranda (Jupiter Island, Fla.). That total was then matched by two officials from Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas -- Scott Schmidly and Tim Burroughs – who called in to make personal contributions to have Mike and Mike broadcast their show from the hospital for patients. Broadcast dates have yet to be determined.

The radio auction was one of Team ESPN’s corporate outreach initiatives, which coincided with the eighth annual ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic. Held at Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms in Industry Hills, Calif. on Tuesday, July 15, the 2008 ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic raised $1 million in net proceeds for The V Foundation.

The V Foundation

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 raised more than $70 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received five consecutive top 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Review Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit jimmyv.org.

Team ESPN

Team ESPN encompasses ESPN’s multi-faceted corporate outreach initiatives, including volunteerism, corporate giving and cause marketing, while utilizing its diverse media assets. Through Team ESPN, ESPN employees and fans work together to make a difference in our world and the communities in which we live. Team ESPN… Fans Helping Fans. teamespn.com

Source: ESPN