October 16, 2006
Earlier this year, I offered a package to the Jimmy V auction on ESPN radio. For $25,000 donated to the Jimmy V Foundation (in honor of my late buddy, Jimmy Valvano), I would have the winner come down and spend a weekend in sunny Sarasota, Florida.
This weekend, I spent time with Herb and Bonnie Buchbinder as they joined my wife, Lorraine down here in Florida. I gave them a bunch of autographed goodies, including a basketball, sweatshirt, an alarm clock. We had breakfast at the Broken Egg in Siesta Key, shared some insight and different stories.
The Buchbinders are big Kansas Jayhawk fans. They love the campus, and are excited about rock, chalk, Jayhawk this season. They feel that Bill Self's squad is very deep and special, a contender for the national championship.
They also got to see the Tampa Bay Bucs win for the first time this season, sitting on the 50-yard line as guests of the team. The Buchbinders saw a future star in quarterback Bruce Gradkowski throw the winning touchdown pass. It was a big win over the Cincinnati Bengals, 14-13.
Earlier this month, I had a visit from Jim Frauenberg from the Columbus, Ohio area. He also donated $25,000 to the Jimmy V Foundation.
I can't thank Herb and Jim and their families enough for their generosity.
It was a blast to spend time with both of them. Jim is a big-time Buckeyes fan and he has a lot to be happy about as his football team is still unbeaten and number one in America. Maybe he can celebrate a double national championship, winning it all on the gridiron and the hardwood, a feat never accomplished in the same season before. The Gators and Tar Heels may have something to say about the basketball title!
Herb has been involved in his own special charity work. Along with his partner, Marvin Litman, they have worked on Coachsharing, which has raised over $7 million in 11 years for the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City. For example, his 2005 event included former Big 12 coaches Billy Tubbs, Johnny Orr and Norm Stewart and had over 1,000 in attendance. It is awesome baby with a capital A!
That's where I first met him, as the keynote speaker at one of his events. It is so special to Herb and Bonnie. Herb is also an avid listener of the Mike and Mike radio show!
I had a blast and learned a little more about Jayhawk basketball. We finished up with dinner at Cafe Le'Europe in St. Armand's Circle.
I cannot thank them enough for their donations to the Jimmy V Foundation. If you are interested in helping find a cure for the dreaded disease of cancer, please call 1-800-4-JIMMY V. Your help could save the life of someone you know and love.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
