In this series:
"Life With Bonnie" star Bonnie Hunt on making a difference.
Breckin Meyer loves to make a difference with "pound puppies."
Comedian George Lopez helps folks back home
Emmy-winning talk show host Wayne Brady on helping
Moderator of "The View" recalls a poor boy
Papers lead readers to improve their cities
Never Give Up! By Dick Vitale
It's so Raven to help others

Don't ever give up!

The longtime (and much-imitated) ESPN announcer reflects on his two favorite ways to make a difference. You can join in.

By Dick Vitale

Nobody I've ever met -- and I've been blessed to have known so many wonderful, caring people -- made such a difference in so many lives in such a short time as my late dear friend, Jim Valvano.

In 1993, he and ESPN created the V Foundation for Cancer Research. At the time, Jim was a legendary former college basketball coach at North Carolina State and a commentator for ESPN. He was ill with cancer, a disease that would take his life at age 47 after a 10-month battle. But the seeds he planted with his foundation will last far longer than his cancer ever did. Since it was launched, the V Foundation has raised more than $30 million and has awarded more than 183 research grants to fight this disease.

I'll never forget the night he spoke at the first ESPY Awards at Radio City Music Hall in 1993. When he arrived with the help of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, he was as sick as anyone I've ever seen. I thought he would simply accept his award, but instead he dazzled the crowd of sports luminaries with a speech about battling cancer. He gave one of the most passionate presentations I've ever heard, one that still gives viewers goose bumps when it's rebroadcast. "Don't give up. ... Don't ever give up!" Jim told the audience as he accepted the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. He told us to think, smile and cry each and every day.

I remember when he broke the news of his disease to me, how we both wept on the phone. He wasn't going to be able to fulfill many of the special dreams he had that involved his wife, Pam, and their beautiful children. Near the end, Jim gathered his closest friends -- like Coach K, ESPN/ABC anchor John Saunders and Bob Lloyd, who now heads the V Foundation board -- and told them of his desire to beat cancer: "We can beat this disease if you all don't forget me, and raise millions and millions of dollars." Trust me, we have continued to fight Jimmy's battle.

My other passion is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Five years ago, I got heavily involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs in Sarasota, Fla., where I live. CEO Mack Reid told me they needed help to build a new club. If I would lend my name to an annual sports night event, he said, we could raise $20,000 to $25,000 a year. I told him that I wanted to get involved but that the goal should be $1 million. Our Dick Vitale Sports Night honors local greats -- tennis star Monica Seles, NFL legend Otto Graham and tennis guru Nick Bollettieri. I am so proud that through the efforts of so many in my community, we will hit the $1 million mark next year.

Remember: This is a home away from home for many youngsters who come from single-parent and economically disadvantaged environments. Kids learn the value of education and the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and they enjoy crafts, computers and sports. Yes, the Boys & Girls Clubs are special places, and they need our help.

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