Larra'aga to Attend Dick Vitale Gala
CARY, N.C.—The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a leading nonprofit funder of cancer research, and renowned ESPN College Basketball Analyst Dick Vitale are proud to announce an all-star group of celebrities scheduled to attend the 2013 Dick Vitale Gala on May 17 in Sarasota, Florida. Since its inception, the Gala has raised more than $8.6 million for pediatric cancer research through The V Foundation.
“Jimmy V would be so proud to know that all our celebrities are so gracious to join us in keeping Jimmy’s dream alive of finding a cure for cancer,” said Vitale. “Words can’t describe how thrilled I am each year to have so many stars join us and give of their time and support at this very special event. They are AWESOME, BABY, WITH A CAPITAL A!”
The University of Kansas’ head men’s basketball coach Bill Self, former Florida State University and Hall of Fame college football coach Bobby Bowden and former University of Connecticut and Hall of Fame college basketball coach Jim Calhoun will be honored at this year’s Dick Vitale Gala. Notable men’s college basketball coaches scheduled to attend include Mike Brey (Notre Dame), John Calipari (Kentucky), Mark Gottfried (NC State), Jim Larrañaga (Miami), Steve Prohm (Murray State) and Jay Wright (Villanova). Popular national television sportscaster personalities confirming attendance include ESPN’s Dan Dakich, Kevin Negandhi, and Dan Shulman as well as CBS Sports’ Lesley Visser. Former NFL players Tony Nathan and Ricky Watters will also be in attendance.
The Eighth Annual Dick Vitale Gala will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013, at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Florida. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. and include after-party entertainment from The Temptations Review, featuring former lead singer of The Temptations, Dennis Edwards.
Last year’s event raised a record $2.1 million for pediatric cancer research. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Dick Vitale Gala are available. Individual tickets for the Gala start at $1,000 with sponsorships starting $12,500. A raffle drawing for a Mars Red Mercedes E350A convertible will also occur during the Gala. Tickets for the raffle are $100 and winners do not need to be in attendance at the Gala for the drawing.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.jimmvy.org/vitale or contact Danielle Smith at dsmith@jimmyv.org.
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 basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $100 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by their endowment. The Foundation distributes grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.
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