Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

eBay and ESPN Support Cancer Research With the 14th Annual ESPY Day Auction

This year, the partnership raised $650,000 in support of the V Foundation for Cancer Research
Aug 7, 2018 10:35 AM ET
Campaign: eBay for Charity

eBay | Our Stories

For more than a decade, eBay and ESPN have partnered to host an annual ESPY Awards Charity Campaign in support of the V Foundation, an organization that creates an urgent awareness among all Americans of the importance on the war against cancer through education, advocacy, fundraising and philanthropy.

This year, the event raised $650,000 for this cause through an eBay for Charity sweepstakes campaign and 10-day auction. In addition to the funds raised, one sweepstakes winner got the experience of a lifetime.

Holly Rusch has championed cancer research for the last five years of her adult life. After losing her father to a long battle with cancer, Rusch became a loyal supporter of the V Foundation and a passionate advocate for its programs and initiatives.

Holly’s donation entered her into a sweepstakes to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Accompanied by her husband, the couple was invited to attend the 2018 ESPY Awards, walk the red carpet, and meet host Danica Patrick. 

“For us, [the ESPYS] is about bringing awareness to cancer research and all of the great work that the V Foundation is doing in this field,” said Castantine. “We hope everyone takes this time to recognize how important cancer research is and what it means to the people suffering from this horrible disease. And that every dollar counts. And that every dollar can save a life.”

The sweepstakes campaign was followed by yet another tremendously successful ESPY Day Auction. Running from July 8 to 18, the 10-day auction showcased 85 unique sports and entertainment experiences.

Among the highest-grossing auction experiences were:

  • Lunch with Dallas Mavericks’ Owner Mark Cuban ($40,400)

  • 2019 Wimbledon Experience ($30,300)

  • Live with Dan Le Batard and Stugotz in South Beach ($27,600)

  • ESPN College GameDay Football Experience ($19,000)

This year’s event closed out with an eBay installation on the ESPYS red carpet, featured inventory to help fans “get in the game” including UNC-themed Air Jordans, signed shoes by Federer, and an Alexander Ovechkin jersey.

Since its inception in 2001, eBay for Charity has inspired charitable giving on a global scale. To support your favorite nonprofit, visit charity.ebay.com to learn more.