X Games Benefit Presented by The V Foundation and STAPLES Center Foundation to Kick Off X Games 13
”The V Foundation has a special place within the ESPN family, and we are proud to support this first time benefit,” said Rick Alessandri, Managing Director, X Games Franchise. “We are excited to open this year’s X Games with such a good cause and the participation and support of the action sports community has been tremendous.”
The exclusive opening night bash will take place Wednesday, August 1 at 6 p.m. atop the STAPLES Center celebrated City View Terrace, providing panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles and featuring the award winning cuisine of Levy Restaurants. A silent auction filled with sports memorabilia and painted skateboard decks will highlight the benefit event. There will be an exclusive VIP meet and greet with X GAMES 13 featured athletes and celebrity guests. Proceeds will support the work of two important charities, both the STAPLES Center Foundation and The V Foundation for Cancer Research. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.staplescenterfoundation.com/.
In conjunction with the X Games Benefit that will be ongoing throughout the entire weekend of X Games 13, the second-annual skatedeck design project will also raise funds for The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Powell Skate One has once again donated blank skate decks for the event. Artists, celebrities and athletes have painted their own design on the boards that will be on display at the X Games benefit as well as auctioned at the Team ESPN booth during X Games. Those not in attending X Games will also be able to participate as skatedecks will be online at http://www.expn.com/.
”I'm always willing to get involved with a good cause, so when ESPN asked me if I would like to paint a skate deck for an auction to raise money for The V Foundation, I was more than happy to tap into my artistic side,” said Chad Kagy, 2006 BMX Vert gold medalist. “This time of the year is always very busy in my life, but I made sure I set some time aside for this project, I may be busy but if my time can help save lives, I'm more than willing to do what I can. I hope my deck brings a good amount of money in the auction, either way I'm stoked to help out.”
In addition, Kagy has committed to riding his BMX bike that was specially painted with The V Foundation logo in the shape of his bike frame during his competitions and then auctioning his bike with proceeds going to The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Presenting sponsor for the X Games Benefit is The Wasserman Foundation.
STAPLES Center Foundation
The Foundation has established a number of partnerships in the Los Angeles community to assist charities in raising funds and awareness for their organizations with a special emphasis on the low-income neighborhoods surrounding the arena. The Foundation has donated an excess of $7 million in financial and in-kind support to many community-based organizations, helping to reach those in need.
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 raised more than $60 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation now awards 100 percent of all new direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received a top 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for five consecutive years, 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 http://www.jimmyv.org/.
About 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, its employees and its fans work together to make a difference. Team ESPN… Fans Helping Fans. http://www.teamespn.com/
For more information on the V foundation and ESPN’s corporate outreach initiatives, please visit http://www.jimmyv.org/ and http://www.teamespn.com/
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CONTACT: Katie Moses Swope, ESPN X Games, 310-642-1507 or katie.moses@espn.com
Cara Vanderhook, STAPLES Center & STAPLES Center Foundation, 213-742-7273 Or cvanderhook@staplescenter.com