DICKIE V'S CURRENT PROJECTS

In the off-season Dickie V has time to pursue other exciting projects that extend beyond the basketabll court. This summer, Dick Vitale was busy filming a movie (starring Haley Joel Osment), shooting commercials, making appearances for corporations, raising money for his favorite causes, and enjoying his free time by taking in concerts, baseball games, and much, much more.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING:

Dick Vitale is one of the nations most sought after motivational speakers for corporate events, charity fundraisers, sales seminars, trade shows, leadership conferences and numerous other corporate and organizational functions.  He is proud to be represented by the premier speaking agency in the country, Washington Speakers Bureau.  To find out more about the Washington Speakers Bureau and how to book Dickie V for your latest event click here.

To see some of the organizations and corporations that have benefitted from Dick Vitale's dynamic and motivating speeches click here.

 

 

MOVIE CAMEO:

Dick Vitale went to Greensboro, North Carolina where he had a great time filming his part in the upcoming movie, Home of the Giants.  One of the leading stars in the film is young actor, Haley Joel Osment of Forrest Gump with Tom Hanks and The Sixth Sense with Bruce Willis.  Dick’s appearance in the film marks yet another for him, as he has had the opportunity to appear in several successful films, including The Naked Gun with Lesley Nielsen and Priscilla Presley, Blue Chips with Nick Nolte and He’s Got Game with Denzel Washington, to name a few.

 

“I was incredibly flattered to be of part of this new film.  I can assure audiences that it will be filled with both comedy and suspense,”

“I was incredibly flattered to be of part of this new film.  I can assure audiences that it will be filled with both comedy and suspense,” Vitale remarked on his upcoming film.

 

TIDEWELL PALLIATIVE AND HOSPICE CARE CLOWN PROJECT:

Dick and Lorraine Vitale were honored to support a tremendous local cause, the Tidewell Palliative and Hospice Care. In a city wide awareness campaign, local artists were commissioned by sponsors to create clowns that will be showcased around the city of Sarasota, Florida.

The clown theme was selected because Sarasota is the proud home of the Ringling Family, known internationally for their circus entertainment. Dick and Lorraine generously sponsored a clown to be featured right outside Dick's favorite breakfast spot, The Broken Egg on Siesta Key.

The clown has been appropriately named, Dipsy Doo Dunkaroo and was masterfully painted by artist Skip Dyrda. At the conclusion of the awareness campaign, the clowns will be auctioned off to raise additional funds for this worthy cause.

 

 

 

V FOUNDATION - EVENING UNDER THE STARS EVENT:

In a day and age where athletes and celebrities are often told they only care about themselves, our Evening With the Stars on May 4, 2006 was a major success. One reason the event was so positive was the unselfish nature of so many stars who made the journey to my home to help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the V Foundation.

None of the athletes or celebrities asked for a dime to attend. We did not pay their expenses, their hotel or airfare, and in many cases they also made a donation.

I'm talking about superstars like Scotty Bowman, who coached nine Stanley Cup championship teams; tennis guru Nick Bollettieri, who has coached the creme de la creme in Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Maria Sharapova, helping them win titles at the highest level.

Fred McGriff, with 493 career home runs and a Hall of Famer in my book, was there. So was All-Pro cornerback Ronde Barber of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His mother fought and beat cancer. Another football star, former Charger tight end Kellen Winslow, was in attendance, as was former Washington Redskins running back and University of Michigan standout Jamie Morris. Former major league pitcher Tom Niedenfuer and his wife, actress Judy Landers were there.

Then there was Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan, coming off of his national championship. The Gators were well represented as football coach Urban Meyer was also in attendance. Fans got to meet Iowa coach Steve Alford, Michigan coach Tommy Amaker, Notre Dame coach Mike Brey, Memphis coach John Calipari, Villanova coach Jay Wright and Duke assistant and former National Player of the Year Johnny Dawkins.

My buddies from ESPN came through and were there too. Digger Phelps, Jay Bilas, Steve Lavin, Fran Fraschilla, Dan Shulman, Lee Corso, Howie "Stump the" Schwab and John Saunders, who did a wonderful job as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

It was a night filled with lots of fun and many emotional moments.

It was a night filled with lots of fun and many emotional moments. There was 11-year old Tim Berg, who has been battling a rare form of cancer. Through his own fundraising he came to the podium and presented a check to V Foundation CEO Nick Valvano and to yours truly for $10,000. It brought me to tears.

Berg had gone around to raise money because while undergoing chemotherapy, he saw a number of kids that weren't going to make it. He said he wanted to do something and help these kids out and his efforts were remarkable. His presentation brought tears to those in the house.

Then there was the emotional speech by Pam Valvano-Strasser. She read a letter from her daughter Jamie, which touched everyone there. Jamie is now battling breast cancer and had a double mastectomy a few months back. One highlight of the evening was the announcement of Jamie Valvano-Howard research grant of $1 million to battle breast cancer.

There were other research grants announced, including funds going to the Moffitt Cancer Center and the All Children's Hospital.

Anyone who would like to join us in the fight against the dreaded disease of cancer, please call 1-800-4-JIMMY-V. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Remember what Jimmy V said so eloquently. "Cancer can take away my physical abilities, but it can't touch my heart, my soul, my spirit and my mind. The dollars you raise won't save my life, but they will help save out children or someone you love."

Remember what Jimmy V said so eloquently. "Cancer can take away my physical abilities, but it can't touch my heart, my soul, my spirit and my mind. The dollars you raise won't save my life, but they will help save out children or someone you love."

As I told the crowd, remember this disease goes after all, whether white or black, rich or poor it doesn't matter. Understand one thing ... cancer is in its toughest fight because we are going to raise lots of dollars to combat this disease. We want to provide the opportunity to those in research to find a cure.

It was a night my wife Lorraine and I will always treasure. I know Jimmy V. would have been mighty proud. Let me tell you, the Evening with the Stars would not have happened, and over a quarter of a million dollars would not have been raised if it wasn't for the generosity and hard work of so many people.