{About Vern & UCF}

In the Spring of 2006, the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults developed a friendship with a young adult that is well-know to many - design impresario and HGTV Host Vern Yip.  Vern contacted the UCF as many young adults do – his life was tragically impacted by cancer and he wanted to get involved. Having just lost their mother, Vera Yip, to cancer, Vern and his sister decided it was time to focus their energy and resources towards supporting an organization and cause that was close to their hearts.

In late 2006, Vern and his sister established the Vera Yip Memorial College Scholarship Fund through the Ulman Cancer Fund’s College Scholarship Program.  Vera was committed to promoting a love of learning and helped to inspire and empower others to pursue their personal, educational and professional dreams in the face of adversity.

Since it’s creation, the program has awarded scholarships to four individuals who best demonstrate the courage, determination, motivation and dedication that Vera displayed during her lifetime. Vera Yip Memorial Scholarships recipients in 2007 were Elizabeth Hall (Georgia), Brittany Williams (Washington, DC) and in 2008 were Allison Burgh (Washington, DC) and Baylee DeCastro (California).

The latest example of his commitment to the organization and young adults fighting cancer, Vern dedicated one episode of his 2009 Deserving Design Series on HGTV to raise awareness of the UCF and its College Scholarship Program.  This episode was premiered at the UCF's Annual Awards Gala in Marach 2009 and nationally televised soon thereafter.  Click here to watch this 22 minute episode.