The V Foundation, Team ESPN announce seventh annual 'Show Your Spirit' fundraising campaign

The V Foundation for Cancer Research and Team ESPN have announced the launch of the 2008 "Show Your Spirit" fundraising campaign, inviting companies, organizations and schools nationwide to unite on March 20 and 21 in the fight against cancer.

Show Your Spirit Day annually coincides with the start of the national collegiate basketball tournament. Participants are asked to contribute a minimum of $5 to The V Foundation which "earns" them the right to wear their favorite team apparel to work or school on Show Your Spirit Day.

Non-basketball fans are urged to participate as well. Each participant will receive a "Don't Give Up ...Don't Ever Give Up!"® pin to wear to commemorate their support, and visibly remind others of the need for cancer research funding.

Current statistics reveal that cancer will strike one of every two American men and one of every three women. As tournament brackets go up on office walls and fans nationwide celebrate the start of a great American sporting event, they can also team up to help fund cancer research.

"In the fight against cancer, we all play on the same team," said V Foundation CEO Nick Valvano. "What a powerful force we'd be, if millions of people across the country would join together against this common foe. Every single 'Show Your Spirit' contribution will help make a difference in the fight against cancer, a disease that will eventually affect every American family."

Online program registration on The V Foundation website ( www.jimmyv.org/ showspirit/ ) starts the process for a company (organization or school) to participate in the campaign. A participation kit will then be provided to help each "team" organize a spirited and successful Show Your Spirit day. Additional information about the program is also available on the website and program materials will be available to download.

"The strength of 'Show Your Spirit' comes from each and every individual who makes a contribution. I urge everyone to take action and help provide financial, as well as visible support to fund needed cancer research. Together, we can make a tremendous impact," Valvano said.

To register or for further information log on to www.jimmyv.org/showspirit/ or call 1-800-4JimmyV.

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 new direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs.