The V Foundation for Cancer Research and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale, have announced the 17^th Annual Dick Vitale Gala, which will be held on May 6 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. This year’s event will honor Baylor University head basketball coach Scott Drew, tennis playere and ESPN tennis analyst Chris Evert, and ESPN TV and radio host and former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson. Vitale will also recognize ESPN college football analyst Rod Gilmore with the V Foundation John Saunders Courage Award.

The evening will also include the presentation of a pediatric cancer research grant to NFL Hall of Famer Bryant Young and his wife Kristen in memory of their son, Colby, who passed away at 15. Diagnosed with a brain tumor, Colby fought a long and brave battle through numerous surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy treatments. 

The program will also include a special segment with Justin Hardy, the Washington University Bears’ senior guard on the basketball team. Diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer last April, Justin has continued playing throughout his treatments and received nationwide attention. The V Foundation has awarded nearly $60 million in pediatric research grants and more than $290 million for cutting-edge cancer research.