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Community Activities

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!

Community Video Archives Hall of Fame

altI was honored to be inducted into the Sarasota Community Video Archives Hall of Fame on April 15, 2009. I was inducted along with Julie Rohr McHugh, Stewart Stearns, Wendy Mann Resnick and Annette and Tom Dignam. The beautiful luncheon was organized by the talented Annette Scherman and Chris Pfahler.

They presented a video about the lives and accomplishments of each inductee. It was humbling to be a part of such a tremendous group of individuals who have achieved so much and most importantly, who have all given back so much to the Sarasota area.

Read more: Community Video Archives Hall of Fame

All-American Show

altI had a lot of fun taping my All-American Show that will air on ABC on Saturday, April 4th. We shot the piece at Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota, FL.

Dan Shulman was the host of the show and I was the analyst. The show features my All-American picks for the season.

As always, it was a load of fun!

Read more: All-American Show

The Out-of-Door Academy Groundbreaking

altIt was a lot of fun for me to record a video piece to highlight the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Out of Door Academy (ODA) athletIc fields. My four grandchildren attend ODA and we could not be happier that they are there.

It is a fabulous school, filled with amazing facilty and staff. I am so glad to learn that they are breaking ground on state of the art facilities for their sports teams.

I cannot wait to see the finished product and for my grandkids to be abale to utilize these facilities when they are in high school.

The Harlem Globetrotters

altIt is always a thrill to see the Harlem Globetrotters perform.

I took my grandkids, Sydney and Ryan, to the Manatee Civic Auditorium when I heard they were going to be in town. They are such wonderful entertainers and terrific men. We had a chance to meet them all before the show.

The kids had a blast and so did I! During the show, they called both Sydney and Ryan out to participate in part of the show. It was a load of fun for everyone!

Read more: The Harlem Globetrotters

ESPN Weekend at Hollywood Studios in Orlando

altWhat a blast I had in Orlando, FL this weekend as a part of the ESPN The Weekend event at Hollywood Studios. The weekend was filled with all sorts of games, contests, sports stars and loads and loads of fun. I took part in The Stump the Schwab game with Bill Laimbeer and Scottie Pippen, talked baseball with Karl Ravech and Astros players, Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt, on the set of Baseball Tonight, officially opened the park on Main Street, was a judge for The Dream Job with Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jaguars, and lots, lots more.

It was so much fun - I was like a little kid meeting all the sports stars and going on all the rides at Disney with my family. Dick's Sporting Goods was the presenting sponsor for the event and it was truly first class and an absolute blast!

CLICK HERE FORE MORE PHOTOS FROM WEEKEND

Grandfriends Day at ODA

altWhat a special afternoon my wife and I had at the Out of Door Academy in Siesta Key.

My four grandkids (Sydney, Connor, Jake and Ryan) attend school there (grades Prek - 1st grade). They had a wonderful afternoon prepared for all the grandparents.

We shared a terrific lunch outside and then got to spend time talking with their teachers and seeing what they are studying in their various classrooms. It was so nice to talk to Ms. Young, Ms. Hancock and Ms. Linse and hear all the great things my grandkids are learning in school.

Read more: Grandfriends Day at ODA

Boys and Girls Club Christmas Party

altIt 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 somethng back.

CLICK HERE for more photos from this special afternoon

Cafe Gabbiano's Holiday Dinner Benefitting The V Foundation

(pictured with Patrick and Holly Wright)
altWe had a great turnout on Dec. 16th at Cafe Gabbiano's on Siesta Key.

The event was $75 person for a four course delicious meal, with music and set in a fun holiday atmosphere. All the money raised went to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

I can't thank Peter and Susan Migliacchio (owners of Cafe Gabbiano) enough. They provided a wonderful meal for all the guests and opened their restaurant to help this great cause

Read more: Cafe Gabbiano's Holiday Dinner Benefitting The V Foundation

Tree Lighting at Cafe Gabbiano for The V Foundation

altOn Saturday, November 29th I was glad to be a part of the cermony tree lighting at Cafe Gabbiano in beautiful Siesta Key.

The generous people at Cafe Gabbiano hosted the event and all proceeds raised went to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

We can't thank them enough for supporting this great cause. Over 1,000 gathered for the event and it was a terrific way to kick off the holiday season.

 

Book Signing at Little Bookworms

altI had a great night signing copies of my new book, Fabulous 50 Players and Moments in College Basketball, on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch for Little Bookworms.

It was a festive night as Main Street hosted "Music on Main". Tons of people were out and I had a great time talking with the fans and signing copies of my book.

Proceeds from my portion of the sale go to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Read more: Book Signing at Little Bookworms

John Clarke Humanitarian Award

altMy wife and I were thrilled to be the recipients of the 2008 John Clarke Humanitarian Award from the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. We are so lucky to live in such a great community with such tremendous people.

We were certainly honored to receive this recognition, but realize there are others deserving of this award.

My family and I have been so fortunate and blessed in our lives and giving back is something we take great pride in doing.

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