Proceeds to Benefit Pediatric Cancer Research and Related Programs through The V Foundation

CARY, N.C. — Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self will be one of the celebrities honored at the 2013 Dick Vitale Gala on May 17 in Sarasota, Florida. Since its inception, the Gala has raised more than $8.6 million for pediatric cancer research through The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

ESPN College Basketball Analyst Dick Vitale works directly with The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a leading nonprofit funder of cancer research, to host the annual. Self, former Florida State University and Hall of Fame college football coach Bobby Bowden and former University of Connecticut and Hall of Fame college basketball coach Jim Calhoun will be honored at this year’s Dick Vitale Gala.

“Jimmy V would be so proud to know that all our celebrities are so gracious to join us in keeping Jimmy’s dream alive of finding a cure for cancer,” said Vitale. “Words can’t describe how thrilled I am each year to have so many stars join us and give of their time and support at this very special event. They are AWESOME, BABY, WITH A CAPITAL A!”

Notable men’s college basketball coaches scheduled to attend include Mike Brey (Notre Dame), John Calipari (Kentucky), Mark Gottfried (NC State), Jim Larranaga (Miami), Steve Prohm (Murray State) and Jay Wright (Villanova). Popular national television sportscaster personalities confirming attendance include ESPN’s Dan Dakich, Kevin Negandhi, and Dan Shulman as well as CBS Sports’ Lesley Visser. Former NFL players Tony Nathan and Ricky Watters will also be in attendance.