After returning at 2 am this morning from Nashivlle, I was honored to be a speaker at the Florida Scholastic Regatta at the Florida World Aquatic Center in Sarasota.  This unbelievable rowing facility was built thru the dedication of the late Nate Benderson, and his son Randy.  I had a chance to share with the people there today my thoughts on the generousity of the Benderson family and how they have also been vital in helping us in the battle against cancer with the V Foundation.  I had a great morning meeting some young outstanding athletes.  This facility is absolutely the best according to people in the know on rowing.  It is located at Nathan Benderson Park off of University Parkway.  It was a thrill to be there and to pay tribute to Mr. Benderson who recently passed away at the age of 93.  My good friend, County Commissioner, Joe Barbetta was there and introduced me to address the crowd.

I spent the evening at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance gathering on Main Street.  Various businesses from the local area were there to showcase their products or services.  I had fun talking with the people from the Pittsburgh Pirates who were there selling spring training tickets.  My good friend, Bob Kirschner, owner of the Broken Egg Restaurant, was there displaying menu items from his restaurant.  Also present were MGA Insurance, the Ritz Carlton Members Club, The Herald Tribune Newspaper, and many, many others.  The night showcased many of the wonderful places and services our local area has to offer.

It was that time of year again - time for our annual Christmas party at our home! For the past several years, my wife and I have opened our home to a handful of youngsters from the Sarasota Boys and Girls Club.  They come for an afternoon of food, fun and presents! This year we had a surprise visit from Santa at the house. The kids had a blast ripping open their gifts and enjoying time with Santa.  There is nothing better than being able to bring a smile to youngsters during the holiday. I have been so blessed in my life and I feel fortunate to be able to give a little something back.

What a terrific evening I had at the Andrea Bocelli concert in Tampa.  My wife and I went with my two daughters, two son-in-laws, and good friends Joe and Mary Barbetta. I was in awe watching him sing.  Words can not describe the strength and beauty of his voice.  A truly remarkable performance and talent!

I spent the morning with the beautiful people with Tires Plus in Lakewood Ranch, FL off of State Road 70.  I am very proud to be a part of a promotion to promote their tires.  I had a super time talking with some of their customers and some of their sales people.  I can't thank Vice President, Jeremy Persinger, of Tires Plus enough for his support and efforts.

I can't think of a more meaningful way to spend a day than what my wife and I did today.  I was honored and thrilled to have "Dick Vitale Day at All-Children's Hospital" in Tampa.  I spent the day touring this incredible facility and visiting with all the sick youngsters.  Meeting these kids and their families makes you realize how special each day is and to never take anything we have in life for granted.  I was thrilled to be able to present each child with a copy of my new children's book, Dick Vitale's ABC's and 1-2-3's.  I read it out loud to the youngsters and it brought so many smiles and laughs to their faces.  It was really a magical day and one I will remember for a long, long time.  I can't thank the staff at All-Children's enough for their support and passion.

Check out some articles and videos from my special day at the All Children`s Hospital.

"Awesome, Bay-bee. Storytime with Dick Vitale" from Tampabay.com, Feb. 25, 2011 READ ARTICLE

"Dick Vitale Reads for Children" on TBO.com WATCH VIDEO

"Dick Vitale helps groups of kids learn life's ABC's and 1-2-3's" READ ARTICLE AND WATCH VIDEO

"Dickie V Reads to Kids" from WTSP.com, Feb. 25, 2011 READ ARTICLE

"Dickie V at All-Children's Hospital: It was Awesome Baby!" from All-Children's website READ ARTICLE

 

CLICK HERE to see more photos from this special day

 

FOR INFO ON HIS VISIT TO THE OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL:

"Dick Vitale Will Receive Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award" from NewsOK, April 17, 2011 READ ARTICLE

OKBlitz April 11, 2011 WATCH VIDEO

What unbelievable tennis right here in my backyard in Lakewood Ranch!  The Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Claycourt Tennis Tournament was held this weekend featuring men's and women's teams from schools such as Duke, Florida, Notre Dame, Pepperdine, Arizona, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Temple and a host of others.  The tournament is organized and run by Chris Marquez and Paul Lederman from the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Club. They do an outstanding job managing one of the premier collegiate tennis events in the country.  I hosted a party for all the players and coaches at my house on Saturday night.  Nick Bollettieri and I loved talking with all the young kids and speaking to them about having goals and the importance of making good choices.  Just a super, super event!!!!

What a terrific evening I had attending the "Passion of a Performer" event benefiting the Payton Wright Foundation.  The event was at The Hyatt in downtown Sarasota and featured the art of performing artist, Michael Israel.  His painting are so unique, as he paints while he is in motion and performing.  Some of his pieces were auctioned off at the event, helping to generate over a hundred thousand dollars.  I even walked away as the high bidder for ten different Muhammad Ali paintings.  I was happy to contribute what I could to this worthy, worthy cause, in memory of such a beautiful little girl. Payton lost her battle to brain cancer in May 2007.  The Payton Wright Foundation, established by her wonderful parents, Patrick and Holly Wright, supports pediatric brain research.  I can't think of a better way to spend an evening that helping such a terrific cause!  I am so proud of all the work Patrick and Holly Wright are doing!!!!