Sarasota, FL (May 7, 2024) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale, announced at the 19th Annual Dick Vitale Gala that $24.8 million has been raised for pediatric cancer research in the past year. The amount announced encompasses millions of dollars raised during the Gala, including a $12 million gift from Mark and Cindy Pentecost, founders of IT WORKS!. The sold-out event was held at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, FL on Friday, May 3. Since the inception of the Gala, nearly $93 million has been raised for the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.
“For 19 years, we have proudly celebrated the incredible children on Dickie V’s All-Courageous Team and all pediatric cancer survivors, while passionately fundraising to move childhood cancer treatments forward,” Vitale said. “These children inspire me each and every day, and they need our support. I am always deeply grateful for the tremendous generosity from our donors coming together throughout the year and at the gala. They step up more and more each and every year and are true PTPers. Plus, thank you to Mary Kenealy, Janet Allen and the entire team for their tremendous year-round work on this event. It’s AWESOME, BABY!”
This year’s Gala Honorees were:
- Baseball Hall of Famer, Derek Jeter
- NASCAR Hall of Famer, Jeff Gordon
- Tennessee Men’s Head Basketball Coach, Rick Barnes
- Pro Football Hall of Famer, Jim Kelly (2024 Dick Vitale Spirit Award)
- Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer, Nikki McCray-Penson (2024 John Saunders Courage Award, posthumously)
Share
