View article and Vitale's video on "giving back"
March 06, 2011 | by Matt Murschel, ORLANDO SENTINEL
Some things you just know are indelibly their own.
Like the opening riff of The Rolling Stones "Start Me Up" or the folksy twang of "Dueling Banjos," you know right away what you are hearing.
Like Dick Vitale's voice.
As soon as he starts to speak, you know right away who it is.
Teamed up with a never-ending supply of enthusiasm and memorable phrases such as "diaper dandy," "PTPers," "Awesome, baby," it's hard not to understand why the Hall of Fame broadcaster is one of the most likable and most imitated voices in the world.
However, what you can't deny is the 71-year-olds passion for giving back to his fellow man.
"I love giving back," Vitale said during a brief stop at ESPN The Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios Saturday. "I love bringing a smile."
Growing up, his mother and father instilled a philosophy of life that he still follows to this day.
"Be good to people and good things happen.," Vitale says with a smile. "And I've always tried to
utilize that in my life."
And being good to people is something Vitale has been demonstrating with as much enthusiasm and passion that he has for his broadcasting career.
He's involved in multiple charities including the Dick Vitale Gala which helps raise money for various organizations including The V Foundation, established in the memory of his good friend, Jim Valvano.
Recently though, Vitale's new mission in life is pediatric cancer research. And that's how
"Dickie V's ABCs and 1-2-3s," a children's book written by Vitale was born.
"I was approached by a publisher, who said 'Dick, have you ever thought about a kids book?' and I told him initially that I didn't think it had a chance to do well."
"Man, I have been shocked by the incredible response we are getting from the people."
The response has been overwhelming, raising more than $1 million so far. All the proceeds from the book go to pediatric cancer research along with money raised from his gala.
"I'm at the later stages of my life, I'm in the last chapter and I want to give back," Vitale said about his charitable deeds. "People have been good to me."
"I tell people, you don't get into the Hall of Fame by yourself. You get into the Hall of
Fame because people like my wife, my daughters, my friends, my family, ESPN people have all made it happen. So now it's for me to try to give back."