Annual Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Tennis Tournament raises ‘serious dollars’ for cancer research
It’s the chance for tennis fans to see top-notch players competing in Lakewood Ranch.
But this weekend’s annual Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Tennis Tournament is more than just an event to see elite-level college players.
It’s a way to continue raising money for pediatric cancer research, a cause that is near and dear to famed basketball analyst Dick Vitale.
“That’s why I lent my name to it,” Vitale said. “... I gave my name on the basis that we would raise money.”
And the tournament does just that.
A key person involved with raising money for the Jimmy V Foundation to benefit pediatric cancer research is Larry Wade, a marketing representative for the annual Vitale Gala.
Vitale said Wade has done an unbelievable job selling the $500 banners that surround the courts at the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center, where this weekend’s tournament takes place.
All the proceeds from the corporate banners go to the V Foundation.
“We’re going to raise some serious dollars,” Vitale said.
In addition to the banners, Vitale is selling his book, “It’s Awesome, Baby!” at the tournament, which starts Friday and concludes Sunday.
Vitale said every dollar from his book sales at the tournament will go to the V Foundation, and fans can make donations on dickvitaleonline.com.
As far as the tournament goes, teams such as South Florida, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Auburn, Virginia Tech and others are slated to compete.
It’s free for the public and it’s happening on clay courts.
“It’s a really exciting moment for tennis lovers in our area,” Vitale said. “We’re not talking local now. We’re talking national teams. Virginia, for example, won the national championship in the men’s division. Florida won it in the women’s division. And players from those teams are going to be here.”
Jason Dill: 941-745-7017, @Jason__Dill
This story was originally published November 2, 2017 at 3:03 PM with the headline "Annual Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Tennis Tournament raises ‘serious dollars’ for cancer research."