Overview
- Charles Barkley announced during ESPN’s Kentucky–Indiana broadcast that he and Shaquille O’Neal would each give $100,000 to Dick Vitale’s Gala for pediatric cancer research.
- ESPN amplified the on-air pledge across its social channels and encouraged viewers to contribute to the cause.
- The funds support the V Foundation’s Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, which reports directing 100% of donations to research and cites more than $91 million awarded in pediatric grants.
- Dick Vitale, 86, who announced he was cancer-free earlier this year, has long championed the V Foundation and his gala has surpassed $100 million raised over two decades.
- Fans praised the gesture on social media, and coverage noted Barkley and O’Neal’s extensive philanthropic records, with Barkley and Vitale also slated to reunite on a First Four telecast in March on truTV.