Dick Vitale has announced that $12.5 million was raised at the 20th Dick Vitale Gala, organized by Mary Kenealy Events. In the lead-up to the event, Dick revealed that he was leading the charge to exceed the $93 million raised up to that point toward pediatric cancer research and the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.
Pediatric Cancer Research Fund Exceeds $100 Million
A record-breaking $24.8 million was raised at the 19th Gala last year, which brought the overall amount raised since the inception of the Gala to close to $93 million. This year’s $12.5 million brings the total amount raised for his charitable efforts to a massive $105.4 million.
“It was an incredible night! Thanks to All that helped us raise- $12.5 MILLION thus giving us a total of $105.4 MILLION dollars since starting for Pediatric Cancer Research @TheVFoundation.” Dick Vitale posted on his X account.
It was an incredible night! Thanks to All that helped us raise- $12.5 MILLION thus giving us a total of $105.4 MILLION dollars since starting for Pediatric Cancer Research @TheVFoundation
Source: Good Morning America
Shared via the Google app https://t.co/kcJ8odxMTP— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 4, 2025
At this year’s event, many of the world’s sports greats were in attendance to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer. Michael Strahan and several others were honored at the event.
Honoree Dan Hurley sat beside the American sports commentator and basketball coach, Dick Vitale, at the head table. Former WNBA star Nancy Lieberman was present to receive the Dick Vitale Spirit Award.
ESPN announcer Hannah Storm was also in attendance and received the John Saunders Courage Award. Grant Hill, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and Co-Owner of the Atlanta Hawks and Dan Hurley, University of Connecticut Men’s Basketball Head Coach and two-time NCAA National Champion were also honored.
However, flight delays prevented two other honorees, former college and NBA star Grant Hill and former NFL defensive end Michael Strahan, from attending the pre-Gala press conference.
Vitale gave his speech and spoke of the importance of raising funds for cancer research with some of the cancer survivors sitting in his front.
“There are great strides being made now in terms of cancer research for youngsters,” he said. “Not as much as I would like, but there are strides. I will tell you, until they bury me, until my last word, I will preach and beg and plead for dollars,” the 85-year-old said.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
