The 20th Annual Dick Vitale Gala Announces Over $105 Million Raised For Pediatric Cancer Research

Sarasota, FL (May 5, 2025) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale, announced at the 20th Annual Dick Vitale Gala that $12.5 million has been raised for pediatric cancer research in the past year.  The sold-out event was held Friday, May 2 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, FL. Since the inception of the Gala, over $105 million has been raised for the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.

“For two decades, we have proudly celebrated the incredible children on Dickie V’s All-Courageous Team and all pediatric cancer thrivers, while raising funds to advance childhood cancer treatments and care,” said Vitale. “These brave children make me so proud and thanks to research, we have come so far, but there’s still more to be done. Thank you to every generous donor and to Mary Kenealy, Janet Allen, and the entire team for your incredible work and unwavering support year after year. I’m deeply grateful. This Gala has become a one-of-a kind event that is helping save lives.”

This year’s Gala Honorees were:

• Good Morning America Host and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Michael Strahan
• University of Connecticut Head Coach and Two-Time NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion, Dan Hurley
• Co-Owner of the Atlanta Hawks and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Grant Hill
• University of Arkansas Men’s Basketball Head Coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, John Calipari (Honoree Ambassador)
• Former WNBA Player and Coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Nancy Lieberman (Dick Vitale Spirit Award)
• Award-Winning ESPN Sports Broadcaster and SportsCenter Anchor, Hannah Storm (John Saunders Courage Award)

Emceed by ESPN SportsCenter Anchor Kevin Negandhi, the Gala continued its tradition of bringing sports stars from across the country together to raise funds for high-risk, high-reward research projects. Childhood cancer survival rates have drastically improved in recent decades thanks to cancer research, but with more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the United States diagnosed each year, there is still an urgent need for scientific advancements. Among the supporters in attendance were University of Florida Men’s Basketball Head Coach Todd Golden, Florida State University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Luke Loucks, University of Notre Dame Football Head Coach Marcus Freeman, Sports Broadcaster Urban Meyer, and ESPN Sports Broadcaster Chris Fowler.

“Dick’s steadfast dedication to pediatric cancer research continues to drive real impact,” said Shane Jacobson, CEO of the V Foundation. “Thanks to Dick and his wife, Lorraine, we gather each year in Sarasota to raise critical funds that fuel game-changing research and accelerate Victory Over Cancer®. His All-Courageous Team of childhood cancer thrivers embodies hope for the future. We’re deeply grateful for Dick and the lasting difference the research we support is making.”

Minimal federal funding is dedicated to pediatric cancer research, making private funding through organizations like the V Foundation 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, and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded over $400 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:
Alex Paterson
V Foundation for Cancer Research
[email protected]
214-695-7993