University of North Carolina Athletics
Williams Part Of Vitale's Gala To Benefit V Foundation
February 16, 2011 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 16, 2011
Two popular college basketball websites today announced they will challenge their respective schools' rabid followings to help raise funding and awareness for the 2011 Dick Vitale Gala. North Carolina coach Roy Williams and Kentucky coach John Calipari are the two honorees for this year's event, which benefits the The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Both KentuckySportsRadio.com and TarHeelBlue.com will be primary hosts for the "Heart of the Program Challenge" to determine which fan base from two of college basketball's all-time winningest programs can raise more funds for The V Foundation between now and the May 20th event in Sarasota, Florida. The Vitale Gala annually raises money for The V Foundation in honor of Dick's good friend, the late Jim Valvano.
"I'm truly flattered to be honored as part of the Dick Vitale Gala, not only because of the enthusiasm and passion that Dick and Lorraine have for fighting this awful disease, but to honor the memory and legacy of Jimmy Valvano," Williams said. "I am proud to have coached against Jim as Coach Smith's assistant and admired not only the way he shared his love for his family and for the game of basketball, but the dignified way in which he lived his final days.
"The V Foundation has done outstanding work in research and education and I am privileged to help them continue the fight with Coach Calipari," he said. "I hope Tar Heel fans will lend their support and join my family and me at the Gala in Sarasota in May."
"It's an incredible privilege to be honored with Coach Williams on this special night and it's something I hope all of the Big Blue Nation will join in supporting - and attending," said Calipari, whose mother, Donna Calipari, lost her brave fight with cancer this past November. "We want to make this the biggest gala yet and help Dick and Lorraine Vitale and The V Foundation with their ongoing efforts to defeat this terrible disease."
Fans from both schools will be able to donate through customized links at those two sites, in addition to links at www.CoachCal.com. Those wishing to donate on behalf of Coach Calipari should visit www.jimmyv.org/coachcal; those showing support for Coach Williams can visit www.jimmyv.org/coachwilliams. The fan base that contributes the most money will be presented with a trophy that can be proudly displayed in the office of their coach.
"We have a great on-court rivalry with UNC, but cancer is a battle we all need to fight together," said KentuckySportsRadio.com's Thomas Beisner, who originated the contest idea. "The opportunity to help Dick Vitale and The V Foundation for Cancer research in their efforts is one we are all thrilled to be a part of."
Net proceeds from the contest and the Dick Vitale Gala will go to fund pediatric cancer research. Past honorees at the Gala include Tom Izzo, Tony Dungy, Rick Pitino, Billy Donovan, Bob Knight, Pat Summitt and Mike Krzyzewski.
Fans can also send donations by mail (c/o The V Foundation, 106 Towerview, Cary, NC 27513) or by calling 1-800-4JIMMYV. Please mention that you are donating to the "Heart of the Program Challenge" and indicate which coach you are supporting.
