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!
On May 12th my wife and I hosted a bash at my home with all the coaches of the various high schools that have earned the right to play for the Florida High School State Baseball Championships.
The celebration is in honor of all the participants and coaches of the state tournament.
The games were awarded to the City of Sarasota and are played at Ed Smith Stadium (Spring Training Home of the Cincinnati Reds).
I was happy to be a part of the 10 year anniversary celebration of the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center located in Lakewood Ranch, FL. I am a proud member of the club and enjoy playing there whenever I am home.
Paul Lederman, Director of the tennis program, does a terrifc job, as does his entire staff.
For the celebration I introduced two outstanding players that played in an exciting exhibition match for all the members to enjoy.
Read more: 10th Anniversary of the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center
On April 14th, 2008 my wife an I were excited to have the opportunity to make a special visit to the beautiful showcase home built by John C. Fowke Homes, near Tampa, Florida.
The home that was showcased for the evening was gorgeous and the people could not have been nicer.
My wife and I were joined by our good friends, Bob and Beverly Neville and Joe Russo and we were all welcomed by the impressive team of caring individuals at John C. Fowke Homes. Chuck Fowke made a donation for over $10,000 to the V Foundation that evening in support of my mission to raise $1 million for pediatric cancer research in memory of Payton Wright, who lost her life to cancer last year.
It was honor to be there to support Chuck Fowke and his entire team and I was truly touched by their generous donation.
One of the great things about living in the Sarasota/Bradenton area is that we are so fortunate to have so many major league teams that spring train here.
I absolutely love going out to the fields and talking baseball to some of the players and managers. There is nothing like the fresh smell of grass on the fields and the sound of the bat hitting the ball.
On Thursday, Feb. 21st, I took my two 5 year old grandsons, Connor and Jake, to Pirate City in Bradenton. We had a great time, as the boys got to go on the field and talk to all the players and even play catch with a few of them.
We spent time with superstars Jason Bay and Freddy Sanchez.
Robert Nutting, Chairman of the Pirates organization and Frank Coonelly, President, do an amazing job and are terrific people.
I had a great time going to the Out of Door Academy school for Grandparents Day on February 15, 2008.
My three grandkids, Connor, Jake and Sydney attend Out of Door Academy in Siesta Key, FL.
It is a terrific school and my wife and I got such a kick watching them perform their class songs. We then got to sit outside and have lunch with the kids and then got to meet their teachers and visit their classrooms.
Connor and Jake are twins and are in Ms. Duffey's PreK class. Sydney is in Kindergarten and in Ms. Hancock’s class. It was really a special time and one I’ll always cherish.
I was so honored and proud to attend my 6 year old grand daughter, Sydney Sforzo's, piano recital on February 3rd.
Her teacher, Linda Rudzinski, organized a terrific performance of all her students.
Sydney performed three numbers and my wife and I could not have been more proud.
I had a blast doing a photo shoot for Style magazine (a special insert to the Sarasota Herald Tribune) with my two daughters, Terri and Sherri.
The article is featuring three prominent people in the Sarasota area and the people that work behind the scenes for them.
We did the shoot in my office and the three of us had a great time doing it with photographers Barbara Banks and Kathryn Brass.
Read more: Style Magazine Shoot and Sarasota Community Foundation Event
One of my favorite things that my wife and I do each holiday season is having several youngsters from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County come over to our house for a Christmas party.We have been doing this for several years now and it is truly something I look forward to.
We have loads of food and drinks and the kids have a blast eating and sharing stories. We then head to the Christmas tree where the youngsters find packages with their names on them. The look on the their faces as they rip open their gifts is priceless.
The staff at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota, under the leadership of Mack Reid, does such an amazing job - it is truly a special organization and one I am proud to be associated with.
Had a great time spending Friday night in beautiful St. Armands Circle where they had the official tree lighting ceremony.
I was joined by my wife and three grandkids for a terrific Italian dinner at Le Colonne Restaurant and then we joined in all the holiday festivities, which included carolers, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus.
My grandkids got a thrill sitting on Santa's lap and telling him everything they wantd for the Christmas. We had a super time on one of my days off...
For more photos from this ceremony CLICK HERE.
I was honored to be selected at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County Kids Night Out Gala as a recipient of the Hometown Hero Award. It was a special evening at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota on Nov. 8th.
I have always respected the work done by the Boys and Girls Club organizations, it is truly a remarkable place where youngsters can grow, develop, and create friendships and skills that will last them a lifetime.
The evening featured two greats - one in athletics and one in the entertainment world.
Recently, the Payton Wright Pediatric Cancer Research Grant for the V Foundation was the fortunate recipient of funds raised Anne Goyer and her team at FIN-X ’07, the international conference and expo for industrial finishers.
Anne Goyer explained, “I was inspired by the recent battle a 5-year old from our community fought against a rare form of brain cancer. Her name is Payton Wright,” Goyer continued. “Most of us have been touched by someone who has or is fighting this dreaded disease. After following Payton’s battle for the past year, I knew making a donation to fight cancer in Payton’s name was a great idea. She and her family fought a courageous and inspirational battle. Sadly, we lost Payton on May 29 of this year, but her spirit lives on.”