You’re almost as likely to find Dickie V on the streets of his hometown as you would behind the microphone during hoops season! Learn about Dickie V’s latest activities—from a scholarship event with the Boys and Girls Club to a fundraiser in downtown Lakewood Ranch, there is never a dull moment when Dickie V’s around Sarasota!
Antawan Smith, a sports reporter, came to Sarasota to do a three peice feature on me that will air in November on SNN (a Sarasota Network). Antawan is a terrific guy, who I have known for years. He spent the day with me, covering all aspects of what I do during the course of a typical 24 hours. Looking forward to seeing the piece air on TV.
I was thrilled to be an honoree at the National Sons of Italy Convention. There were over 400 people in attendance at the luncheon in Orlando. Previous winners include sports personalities and heroes, Joe Garagiola, Yogi Berra, and Rick Pitino. I am honored to be among this elite group of people. It was especially meaningful after coming back this week from a ten day stay in Italy. I was excited to share with the audience my meeting with Pope Benedict XVI. It was a great afternoon with a great group of people!
The V Foundation for Cancer Research proudly presents "2011 Jimmy V New Jersey Dinner"
When: Friday, September 30, 2011
Where: The Brownstone in Paterson, New Jersey
The V Foundation invites you to join their New Jersey "Friends of V" for the first ever Jimmy V New Jersey Dinner featuring dinner, host ESPN`s Bob Ley, special guest Notre Dame Basketball coach Mike Brey and a special tribute to a New Jersey "favorite son" Dick Vitale.
For ticket information, click here or call Joyce Aschenbrenner at 919-380-9505.
I can't thank Susan and Peter Migliaccio, owners of Cafe Gabbiano, enough for their generousity in hosting a dinner at their restaurant to benefit the V Foundation. Susan and Peter kindly donated all the food and wine for the night. Over 200 people from the local community came to support the cause and enjoy a fun night on Siesta Key. With Cafe Gabbiano's help, we were able to raise thousands of dollars to battle the dreaded disease of cancer. Thanks to all my friends and the people in the Sarasota area who came to support this fantastic cause.
It is always an exciting time for my wife and I to be with all the youngsters from the Boys and and Girls Clubs. Today was our Dick Vitale Scholarship Day and Awards event and it really thrills me to see youngsters chasing their dreams and their goals. I told them to never, ever believe in the word “CAN’T” and to always make good decision and choices in pursuing their goals. My wife and I presented a total of $5,000 in college scholarships— $1,000 each to five outstanding Club members bound for college. As long-time supporters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, we have donated a total of $70,000 for scholarships in the last 14 years. This year the recipients were:
Dalena Nguyen - graduated North Port High and will study Pre-Clinical Heath Science at the University of Central Florida. She is a first generation college student and a bilingual student, fluent in English and Vietnamese. She has been a member of the Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club member for two years and worked as Power Hour Assistant during her senior year. She is a member of the Key Club and enjoys art.
Caroline Vale - graduated North Port High School and will study Psychology at the University of Central Florida. Caroline has been a member of the BGC for six years and participated in the BGC Keystone Club for three years. She enjoys modeling, Karate, is a member of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and supports Schools for Schools which benefits “Invisible Children in Uganda.”
Omar Woodard - graduated top of his class from Riverview and plans to study Mechanical Engineering at Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University. He played football at Riverview for four years and ran track for two years. He is a member of Greater Hurst Chapel A.M.E. and the BGC Keystone Club. Omar has been a member of the Roy McBean Club for six years and assisted at the front desk of the Club his senior year.
Quay Williams - graduated Booker High School and will attend State College of Florida studying Business and Management. He enjoys playing sports and hanging out with family and friends. He is a member of the BGC Keystone Club and volunteers at Boys & Girls Club. He also coaches at Pop Warner. He played varsity football, participated in the College Out Reach program, A.M.E., Y.P.D. Church and is a Music Manager. Emily Wells - graduated Booker High School and will attend Memphis College of Art studying Illustration. Her interests are art, children and charity work. Emily was BGC Keystone President and volunteers hundreds of hours. She says that the Boys & Girls Club “saved her life.” 
"Roam the Regions of Italy"
Friday July 29th, 2011
Presented by Cafe Gabbiano and Dick Vitale.
Tickets are $95 per person and limited tickets are available. To request a ticket, please call 941.349.1423
Join Dickie V at Cafe Gabbiano for a special event to raise funds for the V Foundation and the fight against cancer. Enjoy five regions of Italy with food and wine. All proceeds of the event benefit cancer research.To see the event invitation, click here.
Today I had a blast attending a basketball camp for youngsters at Cardinal Mooney high school in Sarasota, FL. My twin grandsons (age 8) participated in the camp, as they love hoops. Coach Gates asked me to share a few words with the campers, which I was glad to do. I spoke to them about having passion, strong work ethic, and the importance of making good decisions. I had a great time with all the youngsters. It is so much fun to be around kids who love the game of basketball!
