X Games Austin Kick-Off Event to Benefit The V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations, is thrilled to announce a one-of-a-kind charity event at the inaugural X Games Austin 2014.  101X’s X Games Austin Kick-Off Bash to Benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research Presented by GSD&M and Dos Equis will be held on Wednesday, June 4, at The Belmont.  The event will be hosted by X Games stars and BMX legends Mat Hoffman and Ryan Nyquist and feature musical performances by G.Love, Zeale and more.  Net proceeds of the Kick-Off Bash will benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

“Cancer is a horrible disease,” said Nyquist.  “I knew that my whole life.  It’s easy to say and to know, but it isn't until cancer takes someone you love from you, that you realize how ugly and horrible a disease it really is. I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer in 2009 and I know firsthand how cruel and painful a disease it is. That's why I'm truly honored to be a part of The V Foundation and the battle against cancer. My hope is that one day, cancer will be something that fewer people will have to experience and I'm proud to join the fight." 

On the eve of the X Games, The V Foundation invites all of those in Austin to mix and mingle with X Games athletes, including Hoffman and Nyquist, at the Kick-Off Bash.  Guests will also enjoy music from two popular artists: emerging hip-hop/indie artist Zeale and front man of G. Love and the Special Sauce band, G. Love.  Admission will also include a raffle ticket, two drink tickets and access to a silent auction.  Silent auction items include four VIP passes to X Games Austin; a ride in an elevator to the top of the X Games’ 86-foot Big Air Ramp at Circuit of the Americas; a week’s stay at Woodard Camp, the nation’s premier action sports camp, and much more. 

“The summer X Games provide the perfect venue for exhilarating athletic prowess and awareness of The V Foundation,” said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation.  “Extreme sports, popular music and skin screenings all in one place…what a fabulous combination!”

The kick-off bash will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, at The Belmont in downtown Austin.  Tickets are now available for $50.  VIP tickets are also available at $125 and grant guests early admission and bidding, an athlete meet and greet with a photo opportunity, food provided by Wahoo’s and beverages. 

Following the bash, The V Foundation will have a presence throughout X Games Austin from June 5 to June 8.  At the Team ESPN tent in the Galleria, the Foundation will have two gaming stations with PS4 consoles and action sports games.  The V Foundation has also teamed up with Canfield Scientific, Inc., a worldwide leader for medical imaging software, to provide face screenings to show any underlying sun damage spots.  Those who sign The V Foundation’s skin cancer pledge will be entered to win a PS4 gaming station and action sports games package.  The winner must be 18 or older and present at X Games on Sunday, June 8, at 5:30 p.m.

For more information about The V Foundation, please visit www.jimmyv.org or call 1-800-4JIMMYV.

About The V Foundation for Cancer Research: 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 funded more than $115 million in cancer research grants nationwide. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from events support all the work of The V Foundation.  Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses.  The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.