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RALEIGH – The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic teed off Sunday in Raleigh.

The annual event, held this year at the new Lonnie Poole Golf Course at N.C. State, raises thousands for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. More than 150 sports, television and local celebrities showed up to the classic.

Golf legend Arnold Palmer, whose team designed the course, was even on hand, kicking off the day with a golf clinic for the public.

The classic is named in honor of former N.C. State basketball coach Jim Valvano, who died in 1995 after battling bone cancer. He led the Wolfpack men to a national championship in 1983 with a buzzer beating shot against Houston.

Over the past 14 years, the classic has donated more than $13 million to the V Foundation.

"Each year, we continue to keep growing and raising more money," Nick Valvano, CEO of the foundation and brother to the coach, "Here, we're not quite sure what we're going raise here with the down economy. Last night, though, was great. We sold out at our venues, the gala was sold out and we sold out here. Usually sell outs mean good."

The classic is a special event for the Woodard family. Chuck and Sybil come every year to watch golf and spot celebrities. Daughter Michelle is also a long-time volunteer.

But they said this year takes on special meaning.

"I lost my husband to cancer last year," Michelle Woodard said. "And he was a V volunteer with me. So this is my first year without him."

He was taken by a rare form of cancer at the age of 36.

"We remember what happened with Mr. Valvano and now with our son-in-law," Sybil Woodard said. "It means a lot more."

Stories like the Woodards' keep celebrities coming to the classic year after year.

"All of us have been touched by somebody who's got cancer or passed away from cancer," Dennis Haskins, an actor from the show Saved by the Bell, said.

"To get people together to donate for cancer research is a big thing," Carolina Hurricanes player Chad LaRose said. "It's a great event."

"I think that's one of the great slogans of all time – Jimmy V: 'Never give up, don't ever give up!'" golf legend Arnold Palmer said.

That's the slogan the Woodards carry with them every day.

"It's something that will be a part of my life for as long as I live. I know he's up there with Jim and Kay [Yow] today, looking down on us," Michelle Woodard said.