Final numbers in: Vitale Gala hits the jackpot

With the final numbers in, the Dick Vitale Gala hit the jackpot breaking the $2 million barrier for the first time since its inception seven years ago in raising money for pediatric cancer research in conjunction with the Jimmy V Foundation.

It took in a record $2.1 million following its fund raising finale at the May 18^th Dick Vitale Gala. Net proceeds from the event will benefit All Children’s Hospital and provide memorial grants to the University of Florida Shands Hospital in memory of Caleb Jacobbe and the Moffitt Cancer Center in memory of David Heard.

“This year’s gala certainly would bring a smile to the face of Jimmy V as we lived by his motto that every day should be filled with laughter, thought and tears,” Vitale said. “There was no doubt that was achieved by our sold-out crowd of over 800 (at the Gala). Words cannot describe the feeling to know that we more than reached our goal.

“This year we were able to raise more than $2.1 million. There’s nothing we can do to bring back the precious children who lost their lives to this terrible disease, but with your help, we will work to fight cancer for future generations. I simply would like to thank everyone who made this possible. You are all AWESOME BABY WITH A CAPITAL A!”

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator.

Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $120 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Foundation's endowment.

The Foundation said it awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

“The record proceeds from this year’s Gala is a testament to the incredible work Dick has done for The V Foundation and pediatric cancer research,” said Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation and Jim Valvano’s brother. “The Gala’s success over the past seven years has been truly outstanding.”