SARASOTA (SNN-TV) – The 18th Annual Dick Vitale Gala is a mere two days away, and its primed to set standards and break records once again. The 18th iteration of this event will see stars fuel an initiative to fight pediatric cancer, an initiative that’s journeyed from a backyard to a ballroom.
“It’s really a credit to the legacy of Dick Vitale, [of] Dick and Lorraine, and what they continue to do. This is beyond basketball, beyond all the Hall of Fames that Dickie V’s in. This is about changing lives and raising money for [cancer] research. The idea that we broke the record last year, it seemed in conceivable, but we’re ready to break another record this year.” – ESPN’s Kevin Negandhi
With an initial goal last year of raising $7M, The V Foundation and Dick Vitale’s goals were met and exceeded, after a final $11.1M was raised to fight pediatric cancer. Entering its 18th year the Dick Vitale Gala continues in the spirit of helping those worldwide impacted by cancer. The event’s namesake, ESPN College Basketball Analyst Dick Vitale, was touched by the outpouring of aid offered up last year by his peers and colleagues.
“I got in the car with my wife, we’re driving back home from the Gala and I said, ‘do you realize $11.1M that’s unbelievable! How are we going to do that in the future, that’s crazy to think we’ll do those kind of numbers.’ Well, I can tell people now, I am so optimistic. I believe we’re going to break that record, I really do.” – ESPN’s Dick Vitale
The Gala originating 18 years ago in the backyard of one Dick Vitale, has seen countless amounts of celebrities from all walks of life embrace and donate to the V Foundation’s more-than-worthy cause. This year the Gala will see the likes of Buster Posey, David Robinson and the McEnroe Brothers highlights as honorees, with guest appearances from heavy-hitters like Alex Rodriguez and Rick Pitino.
Gala emcee and ESPN SportsCenter anchor, Kevin Negandhi, has witnessed the event blossom from its roots during his time as a Sarasota sports anchor. He says Vitale’s spirit wills those in attendance to help the cause.
“Dickie V has a way where you can’t say ‘no’ to him. You want to give back, because you know that he is completely genuine.”, says Negandhi. “I’ve never seen a person in my life, [that’s] been able to connect with so many people randomly, then find a way to have a connection with them past a simple conversation. It’s beyond a, ‘Hi, Hello’. “
Last year’s event opened many eyes, as it took place on the heels of Dickie V’s own, personal fight with Lymphoma. Having generated $55M in nearly two decades, Vitale’s bout with cancer only has him inspired to raise more money for those fighting like he did.
“I’m really fired up.”, says Vitale. “I really, more than ever, want to help kids. No child should have to go through what I went through for eight months.”
Receiving a cancer-free diagnosis back in August, Vitale’s committed to returning to the sidelines next season to call his fair-share of college basketball games. No doubt he’ll return with his enthusiastic personality, expert knowledge, and trademark positive attitude.
“Passion + Pride + Perseverance = Win, in the game of life. I don’t care who you are, along the way there’s bumps and there’s bruises. You better persevere when a tough time happens.”
SNN will provide live-coverage of the 18th Annual Dick Vitale Gala from the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Sarasota, this Friday from 5-7pm. Tomorrow, we continue our coverage when CEO of the V Foundation, Shane Jacobson, joins us live in-studio to preview Friday’s festivities.