Competing for a Cure In Memory of Coach Jimmy V

Nearly a dozen area restaurants are in a competition with each other to see who can raise the most money for The V Foundation, named after legendary North Carolina State coach Jim Valvano.

It's a cause close to bartender Angela Garcia. "I personally had a three year old little cousin that passed away from cancer about ten years ago so it makes me feel good that they're looking out for the children," she says.

The V Foundation was started by legendary N.C. State head coach Jimmy Valvano who was diagnosed with terminal cancer not giving up on a cure. Jimmy V led his North Carolina team on one of the greatest runs of college basketball in 1983 winning the national title against Houston.

The fundraiser coupled with March Madness makes for a boom in business.

Boomers Sports Bar and Grill Owner Perry Dalip explains "we already had people here early. First game had started at 11 A.M."

Basketball fans will continue to drop in for a beer until the madness is over cheering for their home state favorites.

"I'm a big Illini fan so Illini all the way," says Fernando Fustero.

Another basketball donated another reason why it's a favorite time of year for sports bar owners and fans.

"I love March Madness. I think it's one of the greatest times. I think there's no purer tournament in the world. Some guys are going to go pro. We know that, but for the most that don't go they play their heart out in this tournament"

The same kind of heart fans throughout the Stateline are showing towards cancer research and The V foundation.

The winner will receive a party from Rockford's Budweiser distributer as well as a cash bonus.