The V Foundation for Cancer Research has announced that 4-time Emmy and James Beard Award-winning television personality, acclaimed author, and wine, food, and travel authority Leslie Sbrocco is the 2024 Event Honoree for the 3rd Annual Sonoma Epicurean weekend, being held March 21–24, 2024. Held in Sonoma County’s renowned wine country, Sonoma Epicurean is a signature series of events featuring curated and hands-on experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans, and world-class vintners, focusing on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability. This year’s event is proudly presented by Weather Wines and proceeds raised during the weekend will fund cancer research and related programs to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
An award-winning author, speaker, consultant, and television host, Leslie Sbrocco—who also writes the column “Sbrocco Sips” for the San Francisco Bay Times—is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food, as well as inspiring others to live a life of passion. Voted as one of the Top 100 most influential people in the American wine business, Sbrocco’s engaging personality, humor, and ability to connect with the audience—whether on screen or on stage—are her trademarks. A colorectal cancer survivor, Sbrocco is using her recent cancer journey to help spread awareness and hope, as well as support for the fight against all cancers.
“My cancer journey began in March of 2021 with a late-stage colon cancer diagnosis after nearly two years of misdiagnoses. I was able to assemble an amazing medical team who supported my unwavering commitment to Victory Over Cancer®,” Sbrocco said. “I’ve endured 40 procedures to date and am currently disease free. My motto is, ‘I am the CAN in CANcer!’ But I wouldn’t be here without cutting edge research. I’m full of pride and purpose to work with the V Foundation to help raise funds to keep people like myself alive and thriving.”
“Leslie is a genuine inspiration and a wonderful catalyst in raising critical funds for colorectal cancer research,” stated Jessica Kilcullen, 2024 Co-Chair of Sonoma Epicurean. “Her fighting spirit paired with her indelible sense of humor will shine and add to the positive energy of advocacy and wellness. Much like her motto, I believe together we CAN make a difference to declare Victory Over Cancer.”
In addition, ESPN Sports Center host Shae Cornette and Devon Still, former NFL standout defensive end, will host the Epic Feast & Gala Auction on Saturday, March 23, at Montage Healdsburg. Celebrity auctioneer, Emmy Award winning radio & TV personality and the Foodie Chap on KCBS Radio (plus another San Francisco Bay Times columnist!), Liam Mayclem will lead the bidding to raise much-needed funds for the V Foundation to continue its work in the fight against colorectal cancer.
Shae Cornette is a television host for ESPN’s flagship program Sports Center, covering the most up-to-date sports news across the world. Since joining ESPN in 2020, Shae has frequently hosted many of ESPN’s top programs such as First Take, NFL Live, and Get Up. Prior to moving to Sports Center full-time, Shae co-hosted ESPN Radio’s GameDay alongside her husband, Jordan Cornette.
Devon Still is an author, renowned speaker, top podcast host, former NFL Professional Athlete, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and a Penn State University All-American. Perhaps most importantly, Still is father to Leah, who publicly “beat up cancer,” embarking on a pediatric cancer-fighting journey that inspired the world.
“We are thrilled that Shae and Devon have agreed to join us this year as hosts, helping us to continue our support of the vital work of the V Foundation,” added Stuart Bryan, 2024 Co-Chair of Sonoma Epicurean.
From 1971 to 2021, colorectal cancer mortality rates have dropped by 56%, however, it remains the leading cause of cancer death for men and second for women under the age of 50. In 2024, it is estimated that over 150,000 colorectal cases will be diagnosed. Early detection through screenings, and improvements in treatment—which is tied to the impact of cancer research—are key contributors in the continuation of mortality rates declining. To date, the Foundation has given 39 grants totaling over $8.9 million in colon and rectum cancer research. The V Foundation fuels the creativity of scientists and the bold ideas they have in pursuit of game-changing breakthroughs and saving lives.
The V Foundation’s wine country events have raised over $165 million for cancer research over the last 25 years. The V Foundation for Cancer Research has funded over $310 million in cancer research grants nationwide.
Registration for Sonoma Epicurean is now open. For more information, and to register for the event, please visit https://sonomaepicurean.v.org/
Published on March 7, 2024
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