CARY, NC (March 15, 2024) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research announced Dickie V’s Super Sixteen Basketball Bash Sweepstakes raised $150,400 for groundbreaking pediatric cancer research. The sweepstakes, now in its second year, doubled last year’s results. All ticket sales directly benefit the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation.
The winner, Bill Jackewicz of Illinois, was selected on March 11 and will receive exclusive access to two incredible events: Dickie V’s Super Sixteen Basketball Bash and the 19th annual Dick Vitale Gala, both hosted in the greater Sarasota, Florida region. “It’s been an exciting experience to be selected for the grand prize,” said Jackewicz. “I’ve followed Dick’s prolific college basketball career for years, and I have been a longtime V Foundation supporter, so this is a really special opportunity to meet him one-on-one, hear some incredible stories, and most importantly, support the powerful work he’s doing for kids facing cancer.”
For the Basketball Bash, Vitale will host Jackewicz and his guest, Steve Lavorerio, at his personal residence on March 28 to watch a Sweet Sixteen ™ game together during the most exciting time in college basketball. They will join Dick’s basketball buddies to analyze the third-round NCAA Tournament game play-by-play alongside Vitale, a hall of famer who brings over four decades of college basketball expertise. The weekend also includes a complimentary dinner cruise, airfare and lodging.
Just a few weeks later, Jackewicz will also receive two all-access tickets to the 19th annual Dick Vitale Gala in Sarasota, Florida, on Friday, May 3. This annual event brings together the sports world and cancer-fighting community to celebrate advancements in pediatric cancer treatments and raise funds to accelerate research. The honorees for 2024 are Derek Jeter, Baseball Hall of Fame; Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Hall of Fame; Rick Barnes, Tennessee Men’s Head Basketball Coach; and Jim Kelly, Pro Football Hall of Fame. More than $68.1 million has been raised for pediatric cancer research since the inception of the gala.
“I’m thrilled to have our winner, Bill, attend both of these events that are so close to my heart,” said Vitale. “The goal of this raffle is to raise funds for the best pediatric research in the nation, and every ticket sold did exactly that. My family and I are honored to have another cancer research champion on our team and look forward to having him join us for the Super Sixteen Bash and the Gala.”
This sweepstakes helps provide critical funding to the nation’s top pediatric cancer researchers through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation. The Vitale fund awards research grants to the most cutting-edge projects that are focused on better understanding this disease and creating targeted, gentler treatment options for children. With limited federal funding allotted to pediatric cancer research, the Dick Vitale Fund focuses on closing that gap and making a lifesaving impact for young cancer patients.
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 University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded over $353 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
