SARASOTA – For the past 27 years the V Foundation has become one of the top-rated cancer research organizations helping find a cure and put an end to all pediatric cancer.
Its signature fundraiser the Dick Vitale Gala brings legends from the sports world to one place all for a good cause….thanks to one man in particular.
“We got everybody involved you know coaches, TV people I work with, our fans, just business people, corporate people. I mean I work 24/7 man,” said Vitale.
A legend both on and off the court, Dick Vitale has cemented his legacy as one the best sport broadcasters in the business, but also as an advocate to increase awareness of the disease through the V- Foundation. A cause that has become personal mission for Vitale.
“It’s going to lead to a lot of research grants in different forms of cancer that kids have to deal with whether it be neuroblastoma, whether it be bone cancer, brain cancer, various forms of cancer,” said Vitale.
The V Foundation has awarded more than $250 million, which has been used to fund cancer research grants nationwide to more than 154 institutions in 40 states as well as two in Canada.
According to data from the National Cancer Institute just 4% of federal cancer research funding is dedicated to pediatric cancer. And that’s simply not enough for Dickie V.
“Every dollar goes for research that we get in terms of research dollars,” said Vitale.
Though this year the celebrities won’t be in attendance nor Dickie V’s Courage’s kids. Vitale says this year will be better than ever.
“It’s gonna be awesome baby with a capital A,” said Vitale. “I could tell you this and when we come up with the final number I’m telling you it’s gonna be seven plus million”
The gala will broadcast on The V Foundation’s YouTube page starting at 7 p.m.
For more information or to participate in the virtual gala, call the Mary Kenealy Events Gala Office at 350-0580. To donate towards pediatric cancer research, visit the V Foundation’s website.
