April 23
The Dick Vitale Sports Night was a smashing success Tuesday, as I helped raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota, Fla. The event has become so special to me, and I had the time of my life.

People ask me why I have such a love for young people. Are you kidding me, that's what life is all about! That's what keeps me going, and that's why I act like I'm 12 even though I'm 63.

I can't thank the people from the Sarasota community enough for the generosity they displayed. We sold out again, with approximately 500 people jamming the Chelsea Center for a night of fun, raising money to help local youngsters.

The highlight of the night was the rousing speech by Negro Leagues star Buck O'Neill.

We are now closing in on $1 million raised over the years from the Sports Night program. The highlight of the night was the rousing speech by Negro Leagues star Buck O'Neill. For those who don't know him, just spend a few moments with him and you'll feel good about yourself. He doesn't greet you with a handshake -- he greets you with a hug!

He could be filled with bitterness since he couldn't go to high school in the area -- it was off-limits back then for African-Americans. When you think about it, those days were so sad and criminal. O'Neill doesn't have an ounce of bitterness as he spreads the gospel of love and caring. He is one dynamic person -- he even went into a rendition of "I Believe." He had the crowd in his hands, talking about sharing love.

He talked about the great Josh Gibson, before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. There were so many great stories from his seven decades in the world of baseball. He was the first African-American coach to work in the majors, with the Chicago Cubs. Think about Ernie Banks and let's play two -- O'Neill would have been saying, "Let's play three, baby!" Talk about energy. I think I met my match!

Then there was tennis coaching legend Nick Bollettieri. Talk about generosity; he donated $400,000 in sponsorships for the Bollettieri /IMG academies. That means 400 youngsters will get a $1,000 scholarship this summer. It's so beautiful, the way he cares and gives back to the community.

Also inducted to the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame was Deb Walker, a swimming star who at age 52 keeps herself in phenomenal shape and looks like she's 15. She established 18 national records and 16 world records. She spoke about the word passion and how it's such a key to success.

	Dick Vitale congratulates Joseph Barbetta, who won a Mercedes convertible in a drawing at the Vitale Sports Night.

I also shared words with Florida state Supreme Court justice Harry Lee Amstad. I had heard him talk in the past about the greatest scholarship he ever received -- when he was 8 years old he went to a Boys and Girls club camp. It was the first time he left the inner-city projects, and the experience of being with other kids of diverse religions and races taught him so much about life. He said he owed the Boys and Girls Club so much.

The night was about sharing stories and reaching out to a lot of beautiful people, giving them a chance to become something special like our speakers. I am so thrilled and proud to have my name associated with super people.

Finally, at the end of the night, there was a drawing for a new red Mercedes 320 CKL convertible. The winner was a caring guy from the community, Joseph Barbetta. He and his wife Mary were ecstatic.

The biggest winners of all were the kids from the community. Executive Director Mack Reid said the club is close to breaking ground on a new facility later this year. I'm thrilled that one of the wings will be called the Dick Vitale Physical Education Center.

I pinch myself when I think how blessed I am to do things that lead to so many beautiful moments like Tuesday night.