ESPN Radio’s “Don’t Ever Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Auction” raises record $1.1 million

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The fourth annual ESPN Radio “Don’t Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Auction” set a record by raising $1,130,314 for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a 323% increase from the inaugural event’s total of $201,000 in 2005. The event has raised more money each year ($435,770 in 2006 and $851,036 last year). More than 200 items and experiences were auctioned off either online or as part of an on-air radiothon Wednesday, July 16.


One highlight was the unique experience of the Mike and Mike in the Morning radio program (and television simulcast) originating from a listener’s home. The winning bid of $57,100, the largest for any item, was submitted by Marta Maranda (Jupiter Island, Fla.). That total was then matched by two officials from Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas — Scott Schmidly and Tim Burroughs – who called in to make personal contributions to have Mike and Mike broadcast their show from the hospital for patients. Broadcast dates have yet to be determined.

The radio auction was one of Team ESPN’s corporate outreach initiatives, which coincided with the eighth annual ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic. Held at Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms in Industry Hills, Calif. on Tuesday, July 15, the 2008 ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic raised $1 million in net proceeds for The V Foundation.

RBR/TVBR observation: Note that the winning bidder for the live broadcast was Marta Maranda of Jupiter Island, FL. Do they know that she is Rush Limbaugh’s ex-wife?