CONTESTS

PAST "WIN A TRIP TO MEET DICKIE V" CONTEST WINNERS

2001 Winner Ted Radcliffe from Boise, ID:

 

"One thing that has remained with me since the trip has been how Ellen and I were treated. I know that the the contest and the trip were all "work" related for Dick but during the whole experience I never got the feeling that he wasn't enjoying the process as much as we were and we were treated first class all the way.

I was also impressed by how Dick handled the fans at the Devil Rays game. Never seeming to mind a picture taken here or signing an autograph there. During the game I remember asking him if that kind of stuff ever got to be overwhelming... Dick responded by saying that he understood that the fans were one of the main reasons why he was able to do what he does for a living and if their attention ever stopped....his popularity was in trouble. I wish more professional athletes had that attitude!

One thing that has remained with me since the trip has been how Ellen and I were treated.

Overall, I loved the whole experience. Meeting Dick and some of his family, getting so see his memorabilia room, the time at the Devil Rays game....they all contributed to an awesome experience, baby! (Sorry I couldn't resist)"

2002 Winner David Sapp from Morgan City, LA:

 

"During the NCAA playoffs back in March, I saw a contest listed on the website and I could get on he Dickie V mailing list.

So I did and I got an email later on saying there would be a sports trivia contest with a chance to meet Dickie V. And I thought, ' Wow, how cool would that be.'

I didn't know what to expect when I found out I won the contest.

My first impression was that I was just meeting another regular guy.

My first impression was that I was just meeting another regular guy. We never felt uncomfortable and we didn't feel like we were out of his league. He would say, "You know what happened to me? I got lucky. I am fortunate and thankful to be were I am."

It was like living a millionaire's dream. Coming out of the Ritz-Carlton, it was like, "Here Mr. Sapp, let me get that for you." Everyone was so nice to us. It was an unbelievable trip."

2004 Winner Ed Schoewe from Chicago, IL:

"SOMETIMES IT IS HARD FOR ME TO BELIEVE HOW MUCH WINNING THAT CONTEST TO MEET DICK VITALE CHANGED MY LIFE. THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS FOR ME AND MY NEPHEWS WAS BEING INVITED INTO HIS HOME AND HAVING DINNER WITH NOT ONLY DICK VITALE,BUT ALSO HIS "FAMILY". THE WAY THAT I WAS RAISED BY MY PARENTS,THIS WAS AN ULTIMATE COMPLIMENT AND HONOR.

I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THIS ACT OF KINDNESS, BUT I WILL NEVER FORGET.

I HAVE KEPT IN TOUCH WITH DICK VITALE SINCE THE CONTEST. THE ONE THING THAT HE DID THAT STANDS OUT IN MY MIND WAS QUITE SPECIAL. WHEN MY FATHER PASSED AWAY I TOLD DICK VITALE ABOUT THE NEWS AND WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE CHURCH WHERE MY FATHER WAS BEING WAKED, I WAS FLOORED. THERE WAS A BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET OF FLOWERS FROM DICK VITALE AND FAMILY. I HAVE TO TELL YOU THIS FORTY YEAR OLD MAN BROKE DOWN AND CRIED. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THIS ACT OF KINDNESS, BUT I WILL NEVER FORGET.

TO SEE HOW DICK VITALE CARES ABOUT PEOPLE IS TRULY AN INSPIRATION. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT IS A YOUNG MAN TRYING TO GET AN EDUCATION OR YOUNG CHILD BATTLING CANCER---"DICK VITALE CARES"

I CAN ONLY SAY THAT I AM A BETTER PERSON FOR HAVING MET DICK VITALE.

I CAN ONLY SAY THAT I AM A BETTER PERSON FOR HAVING MET DICK VITALE AND I SURE HOPE THAT I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET HIM AGAIN. MAYBE HE CAN ANNOUNCE A DEPAUL GAME."

 

2005 Winner John Uthlaut from Lookout Mountain, TN:

 

"The experience was one of the best times I've ever had. It was my 15 minutes of fame, and I enjoyed every second of it. From the room at the classy Ritz Carlton Hotel to the luxurious box seats at Tropicana Field, our trip was full of excitement and surprises.

The first night was a night on the town with the most recognizable face in Sarasota - and the one with the biggest smile. We dined at an amazing little Italian restaurant and met many of Dickie V's first class friends. The next day, we headed up to Tampa to see the Devil Rays defeat the Yankees in a nailbiter.

Only if we were standing on home plate could we have had a better view of the field.

Only if we were standing on home plate could we have had a better view of the field. Sitting right beside the Yankee dugout, we were just feet away from some of the biggest stars in the game - Derek Jeter, A-Rod, Jason Giambi, Joe Torre, Randy Johnson, the list goes on. During the game, we had the opportunity to chat with ESPN's Howie Schwab of Stump the Schwab fame which was a real treat. As we left the stadium, we watched as people elbowed and nudged each other and pointed and whispered,"There's Dickie V!". One man yelled out, "Hey Dickie V!" And Dickie V, ever graceful, raised his hand and smiled.

The best part of the trip, by far, however, was the wonderful opportunity we had to meet all of the Vitales.

The best part of the trip, by far, however, was the wonderful opportunity we had to meet all of the Vitales. They are not the typical famous family. They are humble, joyful, and generous. They use their fame to bring joy to others' lives, and they welcomed us as if we were one of their own. Dick and Lorraine shared advice with us on marriage and careers and having a family. By the time we left, we felt like we were part of their family. It was an experience we will never forget."