Jimmy V Golf Classic Draws 30,000 To Cary

The annual tournament is more than just a chance to meet the rich and famous -- it is about continuing a fight against cancer started by former North Carolina State coach Jim Valvano.

The Jimmy V Golf Classic is about a good cause, a good game, and spotting a good celebrity.

9-year-old Benjamin Ellis waited all day in the hot sun to get autographs.

"I got Charles Barkley's, Matt Dougherty's, and Christian Laettner's," Ellis said.

Bryan Frazier got an autographed football courtesy of Joe Theisman.

"I've watched back through the years when he was playing with Washington and all that, but I'm a pretty big fan, yeah," said Frazier.

Ray Street has not missed a tournament since it was first held in the Triangle seven years ago.

"It's just fun seeing the people you see on television and movies and you've admired, and finally get a chance to meet them," Street said.

"This is how celebrity tournaments should be. I mean there's no question we're having a great time, and it's all for a very worthy cause. I mean everybody's been affected by cancer," professional wrestler Bill Goldberg said.

Many celebrities are veterans of the tournament, including former basketball player Sir Charles Barkley.

"I look foward to coming here every year. I don't know how many years I've been here. I have a good time," Barkley said.

For others, this is the first year. Theisman said he plans to return, and to help support a worthwhile cause.

"Deep down inside every one of us, we firmly believe there is a cure out there, and the only way that that cure is going to be realized is if we have the resources to fight it," said Theisman.

The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic has raised nearly $7 million in seven years. The V Foundation has raised $18 million dollars for cancer research since it was founded in 1994.