May 9, 2004
It's difficult to put into words how awed I am at the incredible Friday night turnout for the Dick Vitale Sports Night in Sarasota, Florida. Over 650 people came out for this great event that benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota. I'm thrilled and proud to say that we have now raised over $1 million over the years of being involved with this program.

It was a great night filled with entertainment and wonderful sports stories. Pro Football Hall of Famer Paul Krause was honored with another Hall of Fame induction … this time into the Sarasota Boys' and Girls' Club Hall of Fame.

Recently, the story of his love for his wife was chronicled on ESPN in a story about their unique and special relationship following a horrific car accident that has left her in a coma. Now she is able to live at home with his love and guidance.

Thanks to all of the beautiful people who volunteered, who donated big money and made a difference with gracious donations.

Also honored were Mike Dowling, a local coach from Cardinal Mooney High School, and former Penn State wide receiver David Daniels, a former Seattle Seahawk who now serves as an athletic director in the area.

Daniels said he took a pay cut, but his life is fulfilled seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids he works with.

The Heart of Gold award went to Jerry Healy from Lexington, Ky., who always goes the extra mile to help others. Healy is a corporate giant in the Lexington area, but he still takes time to bring smiles to youngsters' faces.

There also was a raffle of a new Mercedes convertible, won by Rocky Ross. In a truly generous gesture, Rocky gave back the car to the Boys and Girls Clubs.

I was nearly brought to tears when the co-chairmen, Mary Barbetta, and my daughter Sherri (they did a fantastic job with auction items, raising thousands of dollars), unveiled a sculpture of me with one arm holding a basketball and the other around the shoulder of a young man. Renowned artist Jack Dowd did a fantastic job on the sculpture. The Boys and Girls Clubs then shocked me with the news that they're doing a life-size statue of me, which will be on display at their headquarters in Sarasota.

Also blowing me away was the presence of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith, with his amazing wife Donna. Tubby was great as he got on the microphone and shared a few stories.

The winners on the evening were the boys and girls of Sarasota. Thanks to all of the beautiful people who volunteered, who donated big money and made a difference with gracious donations. I want to thank each and every one of those people from the bottom of my heart.

A community is only as strong as its young people. If you take care of them, it will be a stronger place to live.

Dick Vitale coached the Detroit Pistons and the University of Detroit in the 1970s before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979 (he's been an ESPN analyst ever since). Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.