Sarasota, FL (June 28, 2024) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale, announced that the 20th Annual Dick Vitale Gala is set for Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, FL. The acclaimed Gala honors Dickie V’s All-Courageous Team and all pediatric cancer thrivers, recognizes influential figures in the sports world and raises money for the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.
The 19th Gala capped a record-breaking year of fundraising toward the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. At the event, it was announced that $24.8 million was raised, bringing the overall funds raised since the inception of the Gala to nearly $93 million. For the 2025 Gala, Vitale will lead the charge to eclipse $100 million in amount raised toward pediatric cancer research.
“I am counting down the days until the 20th Annual Dick Vitale Gala in Sarasota,” Vitale said. “It is amazing when I think about how we started our first Gala in my backyard where we raised $300,000 and were thrilled beyond belief. I am absolutely blown away to think in our 20th Gala we will surpass $100 million raised for pediatric cancer research! I want to send a THANK YOU to every one of you who has made that happen and certainly everyone who has been so generous in donating.”
The 2025 Gala honorees are:
- Dan Hurley, University of Connecticut Men’s Basketball Head Coach and two-time NCAA National Champion
- Michael Strahan, Pro Football Hall of Famer and Good Morning America Host
- Grant Hill, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and Co-Owner of the Atlanta Hawks
- Hannah Storm, ESPN personality and SportsCenter Anchor (John Saunders Courage Award)
- Nancy Lieberman, former WNBA player and coach and current Oklahoma City Thunder broadcaster (Dick Vitale Spirit Award)
Additionally, University of Arkansas Men’s Basketball Head Coach John Calipari will represent past Gala honorees with a tribute message.
“Once again, Dick Vitale is bringing together some of the biggest stars in sports to raise essential dollars for game-changing pediatric cancer research,” said V Foundation CEO Shane Jacobson. “Dick’s commitment to the V Foundation and our vision of Victory Over Cancer® is unparallelled. We can’t wait to gather again in Sarasota to commemorate 20 years of tremendous success and surpass $100 million raised.”
Longtime host of the Dick Vitale Gala and ESPN SportsCenter anchor Kevin Negandhi will be back to host this momentous event. Learn more about the 20th Annual Dick Vitale Gala at https://www.v.org/event/dick-vitale-gala/.
Organized by Mary Kenealy Events, the acclaimed Gala honors Dickie V’s All-Courageous Team and all pediatric cancer thrivers, recognizes influential figures in the sports world and raises money for the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.
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About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
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.
Media Contacts:
Alexandra Paterson
the V Foundation for Cancer Research
apaterson@v.org
214-695-7993
Caroline Rebosio
Coyne PR
crebosio@coynepr.com
973-588-2033
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