Virginia’s wine to help support cancer research

Virginia’s love for wine has turned into a method of financial support for cancer research.

Virginia held its first annual wine festival this weekend, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.  More than 40 wineries let visitors sample their finest creations.  Gourmet food companies and restaurants were there with specialty products too.

The Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center is the expo’s charitable partner. Fifty percent of the expo’s profits go towards the Center’s studies and the other half of the earnings support the Virginia Wineries Association and expo expenses.

Alex Papajohn is the founder and director of the expo. The Massey Cancer Center was Papajohn’s first thought of a notable charity.  His parents are cancer survivors and he wanted to partner with a name that is recognized in the community to help drive ticket sales.

Communications Director, Andrea Butler, of the Massey Cancer Center said that the center is excited about the partnership.

“To us the connection is partnering with a large activity in the community where we can reach a lot of people. Cancer affects one out of every two men, and one out of every three women,” Butler said.

Papajohn and Butler agreed that their connection would reach a larger crowd from the surrounding community, who support cancer research.

While this two-day affair is the first of its kind, it was in fact a success. More than 8,000 wine enthusiasts attended the event, which surpassed Papajohn’s predictions of only 5,000.

Papajohn is already making predictions for a bigger expo next year, with plans to lengthen the event to three days, including a wine makers dinner, and trade gala.

With a forecast of 10,000 attendees next year, the increase in wine sales will continue to add to the Massey Cancer Center’s contributions for research.

“In the second or third year, we will really start to raise serious money for a charitable organization,” said Papajohn.

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**Research projects and discoveries for the Massey Cancer Center are endless. Those who missed the wine festival can call (804) 828-1450 or log onto Massey’s website at www.massey.vcu.edu, and click on Support Massey to learn how to make further contributions.