UCLA Set to Dribble for Victory Over Cancer Oct. 3
LOS ANGELES – UCLA Athletics, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) and the Cancer Research Program at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA are partnering with the V Foundation in their annual fight to end childhood cancer, with the newly-named Dribble for Victory Over Cancer set for Sunday, Oct. 3 at UCLA.
Born in 2008 as Dribble for the Cure, the event returns to its regular in-person format after going fully virtual in 2020. Virtual participation remains an option, using the PCRF Kids mobile app, for those unable to join the festivities. Despite the change in 2020, more than $100,000 were raised for the 10th consecutive year. All proceeds benefit the Cancer Research Program at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA, PCRF and the V Foundation. SEIA returns as the National Champion Sponsor.
Sign-ups for Dribble for Victory Over Cancer are NOW OPEN. Participants receive a personalized fundraising page, access to the PCRF Kids app, an event t-shirt and a goodie bag. Registration costs for in-person participants are $25 for adults and $15 for children (12 years old and under). To account for shipping, rates for virtual dribblers are $30 and $20.
The partnership with the V Foundation allows for the expansion of the "Dribble" to a wider range of college basketball teams and their campuses, thanks in part to V Foundation Board Member and sportscaster Dick Vitale. The Dick Vitale Pediatric Fund at the V Foundation has awarded more than $55 million to end pediatric cancer. Dribble for the Cure previously branched out to include St. John's University in Queens, N.Y. These legacy collaborations led to more than $2 million of the $51 million total raised by PCRF for the cause since 1982.
"We're fighting for the future of kids with cancer," Jeri Wilson, Executive Director of PCRF. "We hope and expect the partnership with the V Foundation and Dick Vitale will add national star power and visibility to the Dribble events, igniting public engagement and contributions for research. Partnering with the V Foundation will help grow our support of the research at UCLA."
The Oct. 3 date of the UCLA event also represents the birthday of event founder and UCLA Athletic Hall of Famer John Vallely, who starred on two of John Wooden's championship men's basketball teams. Vallely and his wife, Karen, lost their 12-year-old daughter, Erin, to pediatric cancer in 1991. He serves as a board member for PCRF.
The tradition started by Vallely returns to Drake Stadium for morning activities leading up to the approximately one-mile dribble through campus to Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom, where awards will be presented to the top fundraisers. Individual prizes, to be announced at a later date, are to be distributed at the $150, $300, $750 and $1,500 levels. Team prizes are made up of custom team shirts at $1,500, a custom team basketball banner at $2,000 and a venue team teardrop banner at $2,500.
"UCLA is proud and honored to be part of the Dribble for Victory Over Cancer with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, the V Foundation and UCLA Athletics," said Dr. Theodore B. Moore, Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Director of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at UCLA. "Since 2008, the Dribble has raised funds to develop important research initiatives such as supporting emerging investigators focusing on research in cancer immunotherapies and opening CAR-T therapy trials. These innovative therapies allow for safer, more sustainable and longer-lasting treatments of cancer while boosting the patient's ability to fight their disease. We are excited about the partnership with the V Foundation and the prospect of growing this inspiring event across many institutions!"
A number of safety protocols related to COVID-19 are in place and will continue to evolve as the date of Dribble for Victory Over at Cancer at UCLA approaches. Registrants can change their in-person registration to virtual at any time.
Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available to those looking to join Dribble for Victory Over Cancer at UCLA in other ways. Visit the PCRF EVENT PAGE to learn more.
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m. – Registration and festival open
10 a.m. – Welcome ceremony
11:15 a.m. – Dribble for Victory Over Cancer begins
12:15 a.m. – Finish-line festivities and awards at Pauley Pavilion
About the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
Determined to transform pediatric cancer care via accelerating research breakthroughs, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has one goal: to make it possible for all children facing childhood cancer to beat their disease and realize their full potential. Overseen by scientific thought leaders, its rigorous and competitive process for awarding research grants has contributed to pivotal advancements in the areas of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Immunotherapy/CAR T cells, Osteosarcoma, Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia, and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity and has been ranked as an accredited charity by the Better Business Bureau. Its actions and commitment are encapsulated in its inspiring motto: Powering Cures, Realizing Futures. For more information, please visit www.PCRF-kids.org or follow us @PCRF_KIDS.
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 University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $260 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards game-changing grants through a competitive process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.