Sports analyst Dick Vitale is known for being over the top. This past weekend, Vitale took his passion to a new level.
As his annual Gala, Vitale raised money for the V Foundation, a cancer research organization in memory of legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano. The event raised $1.6 million, according to his blog.
Vitale is extremely passionate about pediatric cancer research, saying on his blog, “No child should have to go through chemotherapy; they should be outside, playing sports and enjoying themselves.”
Jeff Goodman of CBS Sports reported that Vitale was visibly emotional throughout the event, saying “This means more to me than anything else I do. I’m obsessed with it. I get attached. These are my kids now.”
It appears he means it. David Hamilton, father of a 10-year-old daughter who is in remission, told Goodman that Vitale has called to check up on his daughter’s progress.
Preparations for next year’s Gala are already under way, where former head coach of Florida State University and Hall of Famer Bobby Bowden, head coach of University of Kansas Bill Self, as well as Hall of Famer and head coach of the University of Connecticut Jim Calhoun will be honored.