The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce Dick Vitale, a member of the V Foundation’s Board of Directors, has been inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Vitale has been a champion of the V Foundation and specifically in raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. With Vitale’s help, the V Foundation has awarded nearly $40 million for pediatric cancer research. Inductees were honored at the New York Hilton Midtown on December 11.
“Getting inducted into the National Broadcasting Hall of Fame was a special honor that I will always treasure,” said Vitale. “I’m also thrilled to promote my new book, Dick Vitale’s Mount Rushmores of College Basketball. The book features the best of the best in various categories such as coaches, players, shooters, etc. Best of all, it will help me raise dollars to benefit the V Foundation. All of my profits will go to pediatric cancer research.”
Vitale started his career at ESPN on December 5, 1979, when he called his first college-basketball game, and he has become the face of ESPN’s college-basketball coverage. Off-air, Vitale has tirelessly raised funds for pediatric cancer research, the leading cause of death by disease in American children. With only four percent of federal cancer research funding directed to pediatric cancers, private funding has become a critical component of pediatric cancer research support. Each May, Vitale hosts the Dick Vitale Gala in Sarasota, Fla., where he honors children battling cancer and sports figures for their dedication to pediatric cancer research. Vitale’s recently published ninth book will see 100% of the author’s proceeds benefit the V Foundation and pediatric cancer research. For more information, including where to purchase, visit dickvitaleonline.com.
“Dick Vitale is an extraordinary force for good in the fight against children’s cancers,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “He and his wife Lorraine raise funds and awareness year round, with passion and care – a true gift to the V Foundation and to children.”
Vitale has been a longtime friend and supporter of the V Foundation and was a colleague of Jim Valvano’s at ESPN. During Jim’s 1993 ESPY speech, Vitale assisted him on stage. Vitale has previously been inducted to numerous Hall of Fames including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Hall of Fame.
The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 4% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.
