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!
I had the pleasure of spending some time with the boys varisty basketball team at The Out of Door Academy in Lakewood Ranch, FL.
My four grandkids attend the school and I stopped by the gym to observe a team practice. The coach asked me to share a few words with team on work ethic and decision making. I always enjoy this time with the youngsters.
What a treat we had on Nov. 21, 2009 when rising country music star, David Nail performed in Lakewood Ranch.
Over 4,000 people gathered on Main Street for the performance which raised dollars for the Payton Wright Foundation for pediatric cancer. It was a terrific night and most importantly, the community came together for a terrific, terrific cause. I know the Wright family was overwhelmed with the support they received.
I had a great time on Halloween trick or treating with my grandkids in Laurel Oak Country Club. Sarasota attorney and dear friend, John Moran, and his family invited us all over for a fun filled night.
The kids had a blast dressing in their costumes and getting candy from all the houses. Brings back lots of memories from my own childhood!
Anthony Negrin, 19, died Tuesday at his home in Bradenton, FL after a lifelong battle with a rare blood disorder, Fanconi anemia.
An avid basketball, tennis and violin player at Bradenton Christian School, his fight for life in the past three years attracted the attention of the community, which rallied around him with fundraisers. I am proud that Anthony was a part of the Dick Vitale V Foundation Gala last year.
Anthony endured three bone marrow transplants since 2006. Fanconi anemia prevents bone marrow from making life-sustaining hemoglobin for red blood cells.
Family and friends, including his father, Sergio Sr., mother Roxanne, brothers, Sergio Jr., 24, and twins Jordan and Jonathan, 18, grandmother Ana Rosa and family friend Nathan Tuttle were with him at the closing moments of his life.
I was the guest speaker this morning for the IMG Academy "Meet the Champions Series" in Bradenton, FL. I had the opportunity to address all the student/athletes who train at IMG in their various sport programs (tennis, golf, basketball, soccer, baseball).
I talked a lot about chasing their dreams, having passion, a strong work ethic, and making good choices in life. Nick Bollettieri is a dear friend and I was glad to share my words with all the students who train at this amazing facility here in Bradenton.
I was happy to do a radio spot for the United Way/ESPN 1040 campaign to raise funds for The United Way. The United Way/ESPN 1040 Sports Auction is slated for September 21-27.
The live portion of the auction will be held at 1040 studios and feature some of the best auction memorabilia around, including:
My wife and I have had the thrill for the past twelve years of presenting five youngsters from the Sarasota Boys and Girls Club with a $1,000 scholarship towards their college education. The $60,000 we have awarded over the past 12 years through the Dick Vitale Family Scholarship Fund is something we are extremely proud to be a part of.
The five youngsters are selected by Mack Reid, Director of the Sarasota Clubs. This is such a special day for my family and we truly feel blessed that we can help out in some small way towards these youngsters future education
Read more: Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota Scholarship Recipients
What a pleasure it was for me to be a part of the IMG basketball camp
in Bradenton, FL the week of June 29th. My twin grandsons participated
in the week long camp at the famed Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy -
IMG facility.
The instructors were outstanding, with drills broken down each morning for the kids. The program started each day at 7:00 am and went until 4:00 pm. I had the opportunity to speak to the campers, which is always a thrill to me.
I talked to them about the importance of making good choices and the commitment it takes to become a champion. I can't thank my buddy, Nick Bollettieri, enough for allowing my grandkids to experience this camp.
I was glad to be a part of Bogey's Sports Pub's Grand Opening in Bradenton, FL. Proceeds from the opening went to the V Foundation for Cancer Research. It is a beautiful restaurant, perfect for any sports fans.
There are flat screen tv's at each table and all around the restaurant. I signed my book, Dick Vitale's Fabulous 50 Moments and Players, and took pictures with the guests.
It was a super night and most importantly, they raised money for a great cause! I can't thank owner, Albert Myara, enough for choosing the V Foundation for his fundraiser.
Read more: Bogey's Restaraunt Fundraiser for The V Foundation
I was glad to be able to sit down with the Golf Channel to help promote and discuss the Payton Wright Golf Outing on May 22, 2009.
The outing is in memory of Payton Wright, who lost her life on May 29, 2007 to a rare form of brain cancer.
The golf outing was being covered by the Golf Channel and Kristy Setaro from the network sat down with me at the Broken Egg to talk about why I am so passionate about finding a cure for this dreaded disease.
It was a thrill to be a part of the Get Motivated Seminar right here in my hometown of Sarasota, FL. The Peter Lowe lecture series is a huge success and I have been a part of them for many, many years. But this was the first time that it was in Sarasota. I was part of a lineup that included Rudy Guiliani and Zig Ziglar.
It was a sold out affair at the convention center, with many local business executives attending.