21st Dick Vitale Gala raises $21M for pediatric cancer research
(L-R) Tom Izzo; John Calipari; Jimmy Pitaro; Dick Vitale. (Mike Soltys/ESPN)
(L-R) Event host SportsCenter anchor Kevin Negandhi; Geno Auriemma; Kelvin Sampson (Mike Soltys/ESPN)
(L-R) Jimmy Pitaro; George Bodenheimer (Mike Soltys/ESPN)
(L-R) ESPNers Bill Graf; Marc Franklin; Josh Krulewitz produce the event. (Mike Soltys/ESPN)SARASOTA, Fla. — With host Dick Vitale facing his fifth cancer battle since 2021, his annual Gala Friday night was particularly poignant.
Vitale, who was recently diagnosed with melanoma, is being treated in his lung and liver cavity with immunotherapy and gathered the strength to take the Ritz-Carlton stage and give his trademark, high-energy plea to the 900 V Foundation supporters.
A record $21 million was raised for the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, bringing the total raised in the 21 years of the gala to more than $125 million.
Vitale was introduced by ESPN Chairman and V Foundation board member Jimmy Pitaro, who captured the spirit of the evening when he said, “if this work is the best of us, then it is clear that Dick Vitale is the best of the best. He brings both hope and inspiration by sharing his own journey and de-stigmatizing the struggle.”
Last year when Pitaro took the stage, he announced an extension of legendary college basketball analyst Vitale’s ESPN contract.
Friday, he repeated the gesture to an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Preceding his introduction, Pitaro’s wife, actress Jean-Louisa Kelly sang “Don’t Give Up.” It’s a song she wrote years ago that captures the spirit of the V Foundation.
The list of all-star honorees included Geno Auriemma, Katie Couric, Kelvin Sampson, Tom Izzo and Jamie Valvano.
All of them shared their personal call to service and mentioned the inspiration Vitale provides both in his cancer battles and with his relentless efforts to raise research dollars.
Also taking the stage was new V Foundation CEO Brandi Williams Broome, who was introduced by former ESPN President and V Foundation Board Member George Bodenheimer.
The evening was hosted by SportsCenter anchor Kevin Negandhi.
