Dan Mullen, Bruce Pearl, Muffet McGraw and Scott Van Pelt to be honored at 16th Annual Dick Vitale Gala
Sarasota, FL [March 2021] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale, are pleased to announce the 16th Annual, Dick Vitale Gala. It will be held on May 7 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota in Florida. Vitale is a true champion for pediatric cancer research, raising over $37 million to date for the pediatric fund in his name at the V Foundation. This year’s event will honor University of Florida Head Football Coach Dan Mullen, Auburn University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, University of Notre Dame former Head Women’s Basketball Coach Muffet McGraw and ESPN “SportsCenter” host Scott Van Pelt. Vitale will also recognize ESPN NFL Football Analyst Chris Mortensen with the V Foundation John Saunders Courage Award.
16th Annual Dick Vitale Gala Details
“Jimmy V, in his famous ESPY speech, stated that every day you should be moved to tears, laughter and thought,” said Dick Vitale. “I will guarantee that at the Gala on May 7, the crowd will feel all of those emotions. It is such a spectacular night, as I love watching our guest celebrities mingle with everyone and especially when they share time with my ALL COURAGEOUS TEAM, which features a number of youngsters who are cancer survivors. My heart fills with joy seeing the generosity and kindness of all those who participate and make our event such a special night.”
Each year, Vitale recruits the biggest names in sports and entertainment to his event, raising the awareness and support needed to defeat pediatric cancer. The evening will begin with a “Celebrity Meet & Greet Pre-Party for high level sponsors at 6 p.m. The cocktail reception gets underway at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and an incredible program not to be missed. The finale of the evening is the After-Party featuring the high energy, ultra-talented band, Simply Irresistible. The Dick Vitale Gala is one of Sarasota’s signature events and all proceeds go toward helping kids battling cancer.
“There is simply not enough funding for pediatric cancer research,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. “Dick and Lorraine have made it a priority to change that. Their fundraising efforts are incredible, and every year, they raise the bar even higher. Their tireless work has made a tremendous impact on children facing cancer.”
The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $260 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 3% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.
For more information about the 16th Annual Dick Vitale Gala, please visit the Dick Vitale Gala website. To purchase tickets, please call Mary Kenealy Events at 941-350-0580.
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 Foundation has funded more than $260 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive award 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 CancerÒ. To learn more, please visit the website.
Photos courtesy V Foundation for Cancer Research & Dick Vitale