The 21st Annual Dick Vitale Gala Announces Over $120 Million Raised For The V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund
Sarasota, FL – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale announced at the 21st Annual Dick Vitale Gala that over $120 million has been raised for the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund since the Gala’s inception.
The sold-out event was held Friday, May 1 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, FL. This year’s event once again brought together Vitale’s All-Courageous Kids (children and adolescents currently facing cancer and those who have celebrated Victory Over Cancer®) and for the first-time ever, the Dickie V Alumni Club. Comprised of childhood cancer survivors who are now 18-years-old or older, the Dickie V Alumni Club serves as a powerful testament to the lifesaving research funded through the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, and it celebrates the amazing young people who continue to champion this important work. To honor their journey and resilience, each alumni member was presented with a commemorative shirt and pin.
Facing cancer for a fifth time, Dick Vitale is fully confident he will go five-for-five in achieving Victory Over Cancer®. His commitment to this Gala, the kids, and pediatric cancer research has never been stronger.
“I am more dedicated to this mission, and to helping these kids, than ever before,” Vitale said. “It’s a true honor to celebrate the All-Courageous Kids, our Dickie V Alumni Club, and the tremendous 2026 honorees. Every year we gather to champion these true heroes and raise critical funds needed to fuel progress in an extremely underfunded area of research. I am continuously blown away by the generosity of our donors and the incredible work of Mary Kenealy, Janet Allen, and the entire Mary Kenealy Events team. Every child deserves a healthy, bright future, and together, we are advancing pediatric research and saving lives.”
This year’s Gala Honorees were:
- 12-Time NCAA National Champion, UCONN Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Geno Auriemma
- Award-Winning Journalist, Founder of Katie Couric Media, Katie Couric
- University of Houston Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Kelvin Sampson
- Cancer Survivor, Daughter of Jim Valvano, and Public Speaker, John Saunders Courage Award Recipient, Jamie Valvano
- NCAA National Champion, Michigan State University Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Dick Vitale Spirit Award Recipient, Tom Izzo
Emceed by ESPN SportsCenter Anchor Kevin Negandhi, the Gala unites sports powerhouses, generations of childhood cancer thrivers, and V Foundation supporters from across the country. While childhood cancer survival rates have improved drastically in recent decades, more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the United States are diagnosed each year, reflecting the urgent need for scientific breakthroughs.
“Dick Vitale is the ultimate teammate, a tireless advocate whose passion to champion pediatric cancer research has driven tremendous progress and saved lives,” said Brandi Williams Broome, V Foundation for Cancer Research CEO. “Through the remarkable dedication of Dick and his wife, Lorraine, the impact of research exemplified through the All-Courageous Kids and now Dickie V’s Alumni Club, we are accelerating Victory Over Cancer®.”
Among the supporters in attendance were an elite lineup of leaders, including: Jon Scheyer, Duke Men’s Basketball Head Coach; WWE Star and V Foundation Ambassador, Titus O’Neil; Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content at Disney; and Podcast Host and Reporter Shannon Spake.
With minimal federal funding dedicated specifically to pediatric cancer, private funding through organizations like the V Foundation is essential. When you give to the V Foundation, 100% of direct donations go directly to cancer research.
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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, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded over $458 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America 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 is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to funding the best scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. To learn more, visit v.org.
Media Contacts:
Alex Paterson
V Foundation for Cancer Research
[email protected]
