What a terrific evening I had at the Andrea Bocelli concert in Tampa.  My wife and I went with my two daughters, two son-in-laws, and good friends Joe and Mary Barbetta. I was in awe watching him sing.  Words can not describe the strength and beauty of his voice.  A truly remarkable performance and talent!

I spent the morning with the beautiful people with Tires Plus in Lakewood Ranch, FL off of State Road 70.  I am very proud to be a part of a promotion to promote their tires.  I had a super time talking with some of their customers and some of their sales people.  I can't thank Vice President, Jeremy Persinger, of Tires Plus enough for his support and efforts.

I can't think of a more meaningful way to spend a day than what my wife and I did today.  I was honored and thrilled to have "Dick Vitale Day at All-Children's Hospital" in Tampa.  I spent the day touring this incredible facility and visiting with all the sick youngsters.  Meeting these kids and their families makes you realize how special each day is and to never take anything we have in life for granted.  I was thrilled to be able to present each child with a copy of my new children's book, Dick Vitale's ABC's and 1-2-3's.  I read it out loud to the youngsters and it brought so many smiles and laughs to their faces.  It was really a magical day and one I will remember for a long, long time.  I can't thank the staff at All-Children's enough for their support and passion.

Check out some articles and videos from my special day at the All Children`s Hospital.

"Awesome, Bay-bee. Storytime with Dick Vitale" from Tampabay.com, Feb. 25, 2011 READ ARTICLE

"Dick Vitale Reads for Children" on TBO.com WATCH VIDEO

"Dick Vitale helps groups of kids learn life's ABC's and 1-2-3's" READ ARTICLE AND WATCH VIDEO

"Dickie V Reads to Kids" from WTSP.com, Feb. 25, 2011 READ ARTICLE

"Dickie V at All-Children's Hospital: It was Awesome Baby!" from All-Children's website READ ARTICLE

 

CLICK HERE to see more photos from this special day

 

FOR INFO ON HIS VISIT TO THE OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL:

"Dick Vitale Will Receive Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award" from NewsOK, April 17, 2011 READ ARTICLE

OKBlitz April 11, 2011 WATCH VIDEO

What unbelievable tennis right here in my backyard in Lakewood Ranch!  The Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Claycourt Tennis Tournament was held this weekend featuring men's and women's teams from schools such as Duke, Florida, Notre Dame, Pepperdine, Arizona, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Temple and a host of others.  The tournament is organized and run by Chris Marquez and Paul Lederman from the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Club. They do an outstanding job managing one of the premier collegiate tennis events in the country.  I hosted a party for all the players and coaches at my house on Saturday night.  Nick Bollettieri and I loved talking with all the young kids and speaking to them about having goals and the importance of making good choices.  Just a super, super event!!!!

What a terrific evening I had attending the "Passion of a Performer" event benefiting the Payton Wright Foundation.  The event was at The Hyatt in downtown Sarasota and featured the art of performing artist, Michael Israel.  His painting are so unique, as he paints while he is in motion and performing.  Some of his pieces were auctioned off at the event, helping to generate over a hundred thousand dollars.  I even walked away as the high bidder for ten different Muhammad Ali paintings.  I was happy to contribute what I could to this worthy, worthy cause, in memory of such a beautiful little girl. Payton lost her battle to brain cancer in May 2007.  The Payton Wright Foundation, established by her wonderful parents, Patrick and Holly Wright, supports pediatric brain research.  I can't think of a better way to spend an evening that helping such a terrific cause!  I am so proud of all the work Patrick and Holly Wright are doing!!!!

I was thrilled to be asked by IMG to be part of their first ever "Shoot Down Cancer Free Throw Shootout" today. The IMG Basketball Academy, headed by Andy Borman, came up with the concept.  Anyone could be a part of the event by pledging money per free throw.  I was there to encourage the shooters and to thank those for contributing to such a worthy cause.  The aim of the day was to help in the fight against breast cancer and raise awareness about healthy living in young people.  I couldn't be happier to support such a wonderful concept!  Great work IMG!

For more on the event - CLICK HERE

Business of the Year - Neal Communities, Owner Pat Neal

Entrepreneurial Spirit - Tommy and Jaymie Klauber of the Polo Grill and Bar

Corporate Philanthropy - Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, John Saputo

Antawan Smith, a sports reporter, came to Sarasota to do a three peice feature on me that will air in November on SNN (a Sarasota Network).  Antawan is a terrific guy, who I have known for years.  He spent the day with me, covering all aspects of what I do during the course of a typical 24 hours.  Looking forward to seeing the piece air on TV.