More than a tournament, the Southwest Florida Golf Classic is a mission-driven gathering hosted at the prestigious Concession Golf Club. Entering our third annual event, we remain steadfast in our commitment to attacking cancer from every possible angle. Through your generosity, this past year’s contributions have directly supported cancer patients and critical research both locally and throughout Southwest Florida.
The weekend experience begins with an exclusive Patron Party on Sunday evening, followed by championship golf on Monday played on one of the nation’s most acclaimed private courses. Beyond the fairways, the SWFL Florida Golf Classic brings together an elite circle of philanthropists and leaders united by purpose.
This is an event of elevated impact—where legacies are shaped, meaningful relationships flourish, and a powerful cause takes center stage.
Mack Dancer
Event Co-Chair
Matt Moldovan
Event Co-Chair
The American Cancer Society is proud to recognize Dick Vitale as a 2027 Southwest Florida Golf Classic Honoree.
For more than 45 years, Dick “Dickie V” Vitale has been the unmistakable voice of college basketball. Since joining ESPN in 1979, he has called more than 1,000 games, captivating fans with his legendary enthusiasm, signature catchphrases, and passion for the sport. In 2008, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Beyond basketball, Dick’s greatest legacy is his unwavering commitment to the fight against cancer. Through his leadership with The V Foundation, his annual Dick Vitale Gala, and countless charitable initiatives, he has helped raise millions of dollars for lifesaving cancer research.
After courageously battling multiple forms of cancer, Dick has become an inspiring voice of hope for patients and families everywhere. His resilience, optimism, and determination continue to motivate millions while advancing the mission to end cancer.
A longtime resident of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Dick and his wife, Lorraine, together with their daughters, Terri and Sherri, have built a remarkable legacy of generosity and service. The Vitale family’s dedication to supporting cancer research, charitable causes, and their community reflects the compassion and commitment that define their lives.
We are honored to celebrate Dick Vitale for his legendary career, extraordinary philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to the fight against cancer. His passion, perseverance, and family-centered dedication embody the mission of the American Cancer Society and make him a truly deserving 2027 Honoree.
As Dick would say… “It’s Awesome, Baby!”
Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has supported researchers at pivotal points in their career – to give them the support they need to keep great research going or to take their ideas from dream to reality. The American Cancer Society is proud to have helped more than 24,000 investigators make important advances in prevention, early detection, treatment, and care for those with cancer. In fact, 50 of those investigators have gone on to win the Nobel Prize, considered the highest accolade any scientist can receive. As the largest private not-for-profit, non-governmental funder of cancer research in the US, the American Cancer Society has played a role in many of the major cancer research breakthroughs of the last century.
For more than 10 decades, the American Cancer Society has been dedicated to pursuing better outcomes for every cancer, every life. Today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before, but there is still work to be done. Join us, support us, and help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
towards cancer research
winning scientists received research funding
through all patient support initiatives in 2024
