The ESPY'S, Celebrities and Jimmy V Ties

The 27th edition of the Espy Awards that represents Excellence in Sports Performance, Awards for individual and team athletic achievement, as well as their contribution to society, was held this past week at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. 

Back on March 4th, 1993, Jimmy Valvano, the legendary NC State basketball coach announced the formation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research at the ESPY Awards founded by ESPN and Jim. The V Foundation was established to carry out Jim’s final dream—to defeat cancer.

When Jim took the stage that evening during the ESPY Awards at Madison Square Garden, he delivered one of the most iconic speeches in sports history. Today, millions throughout the world remember this famous speech and his everlasting words of, "Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up. 

Stonehenge Ltd, was extremely proud to create these Jimmy V Ties which raised well over one million dollars and was presented at the Stonehenge pre-ESPY Awards party to help support the Jimmy V Foundation. The Jimmy V Ties soon became the number one best selling ties in America and they also became an inspiration of hope for others to wear and to never give up on whatever their problems may be.  

I had the honor of working with many celebrities back in 1994 and many of them made personal appearances for Stonehenge to help raise the awareness and funds for the Jimmy V Cancer Foundation.

I would like to share one of these story with you. 

Back in 1994, Steve Kerr who played for the Chicago Bulls, made a personal appearance at Marshall Fields in Chicago, where hundreds of fans and admirers of both Steve and the Jimmy V Foundation came out to purchase a Jimmy V tie and get them signed by both Steve and Pam Valvano, Jimmy’s wife. Many waiting in line and shared their own personal stories about their family and friends that lost the battle over cancer, or still struggling with it. Steve and Pam were extremely kind and very passionate with everyones personal stories. 

I still recall when three young sisters (pictured above) who had recently lost their mother to cancer, waited in line to get over 27 ties signed for each one of their family members. It was their way of saying that they too will never give up the fight for cancer. I will always remember that moment and today, I’m still so proud of Steve who today is the head coach for the Golden State Warriors.  

Recently, I was asked to interview for the B Inspired Podcast to share my own personal story about some fears and peaks and valleys of my life. I had no idea what to expect, however, afterwards, I was taken back by surprised over the many who shared their wonderful comments and stories with me, as well as sharing some of their own personal and difficult moments in time. A few of these individuals truly touched me and became my inspiration of hope. So, no matter who you may be and the many difficult problems we all have, always remember, there’s always a way to get through these difficult times with the help and support of others and most importantly, “Don’t Give Up, Don’t Ever Give Up”

The great Bobby Orr, Coach K, Dick Vitale, Chris Berman, Jerry Rice, Joe Theisman. Willis Reed, Sugar Ray Leonard, Stuart Scott, John Saunders, Pam Valvano and and so many others helped to create this magic for our company and I will always be grateful for their support. I’ve attached some of these fond memories of our Jimmy V friends that helped to make this possible. What an amazing moment in time it was.