DICK VITALE GALA

Dick Vitale is the V Foundation’s leading fundraiser and cause champion for the pediatric cancer research initiative. Since the first Dick Vitale Gala in 2006, this event has raised more than $105.4 million for cancer research — including $12.5 million last year alone, thanks to the generosity of so many.

Mary Kenealy Events has proudly coordinated this Gala from its inception, helping bring the vision and mission of the event to life each year.

This year, we’re striving to surpass $120 million in total funds raised, and you can help us reach that milestone by donating to the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, attending the Gala, and supporting in other meaningful ways.

Learn More

2026 Honorees

Geno Auriemma

12-Time NCAA Champion, University of Connecticut

Katie Couric

Award-Winning Journalist, Former Anchor

Kevin Sampson

Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Houston

Gala Emcee

Kevin Negandhi

ESPN Sports Anchor

Award Recipients

Jamie Valvano

John Saunders Courage Award

Tom Izzo

Dick Vitale Spirit Award

Sponsorship And Tickets

May 1
• 20 Invitations to celebrity meet and greet pre-party
• 2 Gala tables (20 seats)
• Premier seating
• Inclusion in all event signage and print materials
• Mention from stage and video screen acknowledgment
• Tribute book: full-page ad, premium placement
May 2
• 20 Invitations to private reception at Dick’s home
• Event Signage at private reception at Dick’s home
May 1
• 10 Invitations to celebrity meet and greet pre-party
• Event signage at celebrity meet and greet pre-party
• 1 Gala table (10 seats)
• Preferred seating
• Welcome signage and video screen acknowledgment
• Tribute book: full-page ad, premium placement
May 2
• 10 Invitations to private reception at Dick’s home
May 1
• 10 Invitations to celebrity meet and greet pre-party
• 1 Gala table (10 seats)
• Preferred seating
• Welcome signage and video screen acknowledgment
• Tribute book: full-page ad, premium placement
• Event Signage at after-party
May 2
• 10 Invitations to private reception at Dick’s home
May 1
• 10 Invitations to celebrity meet and greet pre-party
• 1 Gala table (10 seats)
• Preferred seating
• Welcome signage and video screen acknowledgment
• Tribute book: full-page ad, premium placement
May 2
• 10 Invitations to private reception at Dick’s home
• Event Signage at private reception at Dick’s home
May 1
• 10 Invitations to celebrity meet and greet pre-party
• 1 Gala table (10 seats)
• Preferred seating
• Welcome signage and video screen acknowledgment
• Tribute book: full-page ad
May 2
• 10 Invitations to private reception at Dick’s home
May 1
• 10 Invitations to celebrity meet and greet pre-party
• 1 Gala table (10 seats)
• Preferred seating
• Welcome signage and video screen acknowledgment
• Tribute book: full-page ad

May 1
• 1 Gala table (10 seats)
• Welcome signage and video screen acknowledgment
• Tribute book: full-page ad
May 1
• 2 Invitations to celebrity meet and greet pre-party
• 2 Seats at Gala
• Welcome signage and video screen acknowledgment
• Tribute book listing
• Individual Gala Ticket (1 seat): $1,500
• 1 Gala Table (10 seats): $15,000
• Full-Page Ad: $3,000
• 1/2 Page Ad: $1,500
• 1/4 Page Ad: $500
May 1
• Full-page ad: $3,000
• 1/2 page ad: $1,500
• 1/4 page ad: $500

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About the V Foundation

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano with one goal in mind: to achieve Victory Over Cancer. Since its formation in 1993, the V Foundation has awarded nearly $400 million in cancer research grants nationwide and has grown to become one of the premier supporters of cutting-edge cancer research. Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the V Foundation maintains an endowment that covers administrative expenses, ensuring that every donor dollar goes directly to research.

Mary Kenealy Events is honored to contribute to this meaningful mission by providing full-service planning, coordination, and event execution in support of the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, including the annual Dick Vitale Gala. Our team is deeply committed to excellence and passionate about creating experiences that not only inspire but also drive real impact. It is a privilege to partner with the V Foundation and lend our expertise to an event that raises critical funds and awareness in the fight against pediatric cancer.

V Foundation events are managed by Don’t Ever Give Up, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable supporting organization formed by and operated exclusively for the benefit of the V Foundation.