The 13th Dick Vitale Gala brings total funds to more than $25 million

The sold-out gala was hosted May 11 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

By Kayleigh Omang
| 7:59 p.m. May 11, 2018

Black Tie

It’s no secret that host Dick Vitale has a passion for ending pediatric cancer.

The 13th annual Dick Vitale Gala, which raises money for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, reminded eventgoers of how much that passion fuels Vitale’s philanthropic efforts.

At the pre-event news conference, Vitale, honorees, sportscaster Chris Berman and CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research Susan Braun spoke about the foundation and what fighting to end pediatric cancer means to them. Many of the speakers have lost a loved one to cancer, which drives them to commit to the cause.

After the news conference, guests mingled and enjoyed cocktail hour before making their way into the ballroom for dinner and a presentation, during which Vitale once again gave an emotional address to the audience.

The gala raised $3.7 million this year, which helped the foundation reach a total of more than $25 million raised since its inception in 1993.