Rich and Leslie Frank to be Honored as the 2021Vintner Grant Honorees at The V Foundation Wine Celebration

NEWS RELEASE

 

NAPA, CA, MAY 24, 2021 – The V Foundation Wine Celebration will honor longtime active supporters Rich and Leslie Frank as the 2021 Vintner Grant Honorees at a special luncheon during the Wine Celebration Weekend, August 5-8 in the Napa Valley.

 

Each year the V Foundation Wine Celebration acknowledges the efforts and support of a participating vintner by awarding a Vintner’s Grant in their honor. Through the Vintner’s Grant, the honorees are able to designate an area of focus with a cancer research grant in their name. The V Foundation is fortunate to have a brilliant Scientific Advisory Committee whose members are leaders in the cancer research field, and who are responsible for evaluating and selecting the most promising research projects to receive funding. In memory of Rich’s mother, Edythe Frank, Rich and Leslie are joining the fight against lymphoma, a cause that is very close to their hearts.

 

The Franks share an inherent passion for people, culture, and giving back, evident by their ongoing charitable work throughout Napa Valley and beyond.

 

In addition to founding Frank Family Vineyards, Rich Frank is the former President of Disney Studios and is currently the Vice Chairman of the American Film Institute and a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

 

Leslie Frank, who was awarded the Philanthropy Award from the North Bay Business Journal in 2019, is an Emmy Award–winning journalist who spent more than twenty-five years covering politics, crime, weather, and calamities, as well as interviewing some of the biggest stars in Hollywood on the red carpet. Today, she joins her husband Rich as a proprietor at Frank Family Vineyards, often awarded the best tasting room in Napa Valley and whose wines consistently receive highly acclaimed ratings.

 

As ambassadors for the V Foundation, this June Rich and Leslie will be appearing in two special episodes of Behind the V with host AJ Harris, for a special miniseries celebrating V Foundation Wine Celebration Vintner Grant Honorees.

 

On June 10th, take a look behind the scenes of the World of Wine and Television as AJ dives into an exclusive interview with Rich and Leslie, along with George Bodenheimer, Retired Executive Chairman of ESPN for an illuminating, in-depth conversation surrounding the entertainment industry, the importance of philanthropy, and the story behind why they choose to partner with the V Foundation.

 

Then on June 17th, don your apron, lift your glass, and join Rich and Leslie live in the kitchen with Chef Christina Machamer, whose accolades range from winning the fourth season of FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen to working side-by-side with some of the world’s top chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller. Chef Christina will share a curated recipe and be available to answer questions live as viewers cook and enjoy extraordinary wine alongside the broadcast team.

 

For more information, and to stay up to date with the latest episodes, visit winecelebration.org/behind-the-v and follow us @behind.the.v

 

The V Foundation Wine Celebration, one of the top-rated charitable events in the country, has helped to fund numerous research programs at medical research institutions across the country. Each year it attracts attendees to the Napa Valley from all over the country for a gala weekend of events and activities with a serious underlying purpose – advancing the foundation’s efforts to support significant cancer research

 

For more information on the 2021 V Wine Celebration, please visit www.winecelebration.org.

 

About the V Foundation Wine Celebration
Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration, benefitting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, has raised over $118 million for cancer research and related programs. This three-day signature series of events in the stunning Napa Valley demonstrates that commitment, passion and giving become the catalyst for positive change.

 

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $260 million in cancer research grants nationwide. The V Foundation awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive award process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.v.org.