On December 10th, the V Foundation hosted their annual Boo-Yah Gala in NYC. The event sheds light on The Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, as well as ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary, Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott, which premiered on ESPN the same day.
V Foundation for Cancer Research has spent more than three decades funding critical cancer research. Founded by NBA basketball player and coach, Jim Valvano, he “turned his own cancer journey into a legacy” by teaming up with ESPN to form the foundation. Valvano’s overall mission was to help save lives from the impact of cancer.
The Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund‘s Boo-Yah event partners with the V Foundation to unite cancer advocates and support growth in research, and simultaneously honors the life of the ESPN sportscaster, who passed away of cancer in 2015.
More specifically, Boo-Yah supports cancer research led by researchers working to address cancer disparities in underserved communities.
President and Executive Director of the V Foundation, Susan Scott, told The Knockturnal, “No one grows up recognizing [that] we need equitable participation in cancer research.” She continued, “That is why the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund within the V Foundation is so critical.”
Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss received the inaugural Stuart Scott IMPACT Award for his support of cancer research and his influence on advancing awareness within the sports community. Moss, a cancer survivor and passionate advocate, discussed his own experience, Scott’s impact, and the importance of supporting marginalized patients.
After a full night of auctioning and winning items, Boo-Yah raised over $3.1 million for disparities in cancer research.
When asked how donors at home can get involved with the V Foundation, President and CEO of ESPN, James Pitaro told The Knockturnal, “They should know that 100% of their contributions go towards research.” He explained, “Just google ‘V Foundation’ and make a donation online. We thank everyone for their amazing support.”
More than $400 million has been raised for the V Foundation, with over $200 million coming from ESPN’s support, according to Pitaro.
Producer and director of the Boo-Yah documentary, Andre Gaines, emphasized the “special resonance” of the night, with the fundraising event and film releasing on the same day.
Supporters can expect a glimpse of who Scott was behind the SportsCenter desk, the challenges he faced with appendiceal cancer, and the impact of his legacy in Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott, which is available on ESPN, the ESPN app and Disney+.
