The Make-A-Wish Foundation is pleased to announce the exciting news that Mr. Dick Vitale is the recipient of the 2010 Chris Greicius Celebrity Award. This annual award recognizes celebrities and sports figures for their outstanding wishgranting efforts. Mr. Vitale will receive his award at the upcoming 30th anniversary conference in Orlando, FL on October 20, 2010 at the Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 after a little boy named Chris Greicius realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. Since its humble beginnings, the organization has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 193,000 children around the world.
Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission.
A network of nearly 25,000 volunteers enable the Make-A-Wish Foundation to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.
Mr. Vitale has been awarded this prestigious honor as a result of his continued commitment and enthusiasm for granting wishes to children who have specifically requested to meet him through the years at various sporting events, most notably, the NCAA Final Four Basketball Championships. Other past celebrity recipients of this award have included Jerome Bettis (NFL Star with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Collegiate player with Notre Dame), Garth Brooks (Country Music Star), Will Smith (Actor), and ESPN’s Howie Schwab of The “Stump the Schwab” Show, to name a few.
Mr. Vitale stated. “I am extremely proud and honored to receive this esteemed honor. There is nothing more satisfying in life than bringing a smile to a child’s face. This is why we are working diligently with our V Foundation as we battle to find a cure for cancer. I commend the Make-A-Wish Foundation for all the work they do to help children realize their dreams and I have been thrilled to be a part of fulfilling some special children’s wishes.”
