Seventh Annual Dick Vitale Gala Raises Record Amount for The V Foundation

Net Proceeds from the Event will be Awarded to Pediatric Cancer Research

(Sarasota, FL) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research is pleased to announce the , which took place on Friday, May 18, in Sarasota, Florida, raised over $2.1 million for pediatric cancer research in Florida. 

“This year’s gala certainly would bring a smile to the face of Jimmy V as we lived by his motto that every day should be filled with laughter, thought and tears,” said Dick Vitale.  “There was no doubt that was achieved by our sold-out crowd of over 800.  Words cannot describe the feeling to know that we more than reached our goal of raising $1 million for pediatric cancer research.  This year we were able to raise more than $2.1 million.  There’s nothing we can do to bring back the precious children who lost their lives to this terrible disease, but with your help, we will work to fight cancer for future generations. In closing, I simply would like to thank everyone who made this possible.  You are all AWESOME BABY WITH A CAPITAL A!” 

Net event proceeds from the Seventh Annual Dick Vitale Gala will benefit All Children’s Hospital and will provide memorial grants to UF Shands Cancer Center in memory of Caleb Jacobbe and to Moffitt Cancer Center in memory of David Heard.

The Seventh Annual Dick Vitale Gala honored Villanova University men’s basketball coach Jay Wright, former University of Maryland men’s basketball coach Gary Williams and college football coaching legend Lou Holtz.  The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota was also crowded with celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment, including many NCAA men’s basketball coaches.  The University of Kentucky’s John Calipari, the University of Louisville’s Rick Pitino, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, South Carolina’s Frank Martin and many others were all in attendance. 

“The record proceeds from this year’s Gala is a testament to the incredible work Dick has done for The V Foundation and pediatric cancer research,” said Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation.  “The Gala’s success over the past seven years has been truly outstanding.” 

For more information about the Dick Vitale Gala and The V Foundation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About The V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $120 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Foundation's endowment. The Foundation awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

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