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Vitale brings game to fundraising event in Sarasota

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By PETER BERNARD

News Channel 8

Published: May 15, 2009

Sports stars turned out on Friday night for the fourth annual Dick Vitale Gala at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.

The event was a real "who's who" in sports. Everywhere you turned, you recognized a big name. In one corner was Rick Pitino, the Louisville coach. Next to him, Billy Donovan of the University of Florida.

The gather is a fundraiser to benefit "The V Foundation" named after legendary coach Jim Valvano.

A total of 775 tickets were sold to the $1,000-per-plate event. With other fund-raising efforts; the event was expected bring in about $ 1 million.

Monies will go to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and Moffitt Cancer Center on the U.S.F. campus.

"We're in a down economy" said sportscaster Vitale. "But cancer doesn't know the economy is bad, and it brings you to your knees."

Vitale said every dollar raised will stay in this area.

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