Dick Vitale to headline free charity softball game in Daytona Beach

Dick Vitale will headline a free July 22 charity softball game at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, with proceeds going to pediatric cancer research and youth development. The event is set to draw celebrity guests, feature fundraising activities and mark the first annual edition.

Why it matters: - The game is built to raise money for pediatric cancer research and youth development through the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Volusia Sheriff's Youth Foundation. - The event is free, which can widen attendance and boost fundraising through donations, auctions and other game-day activities. - Dick Vitale’s appearance brings national attention to a local fundraising event tied to cancer research.

What happened: - Jackie Robinson Ballpark will host “Dick Vitale’s: The Game” on July 22 in Daytona Beach. - The charity softball game will pit the Volusia Sheriff’s Office against the Volusia Fire and Rescue Department. - Dick Vitale, Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Coach Gregory Vincent and celebrity friends are scheduled to take part. - Gates open at 5 p.m., and first pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. - A helicopter arrival may happen, depending on weather and health.

The details: - All proceeds from the event will benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Volusia Sheriff's Youth Foundation. - Both organizations direct 100% of donations to their programs. - Vitale is battling cancer for the fifth time. - Vitale has raised more than $126 million for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation. - Vitale’s May 1 gala in Sarasota raised $21 million alone. - Planned celebrity guests include University of Kentucky women’s golf head coach Golda Borst, UK golfer Cathryn Brown, Volusia Fire Chief Joe King and Florida State University softball head coach Lonni Alameda. - Additional celebrity surprises are planned for the fourth inning. - The evening will also include a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and event T-shirts. - Donations of auction items and monetary contributions are being accepted now at more information and donations. - Seating is first-come, first-served, and capacity is limited to 4,200. - Admission and parking are free. - Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the event supports “two fantastic causes” and invited the community to attend.

Between the lines: - The event blends entertainment, community fundraising and local civic visibility around two public-service agencies. - Jackie Robinson Ballpark adds historical weight to the event, since the stadium is the oldest active stadium in Minor League Baseball and the site of Jackie Robinson’s first professional game in 1946. - The presence of sponsors like Iron Gate Technologies and Gary Yeomans Ford shows the event is leaning on local business support to scale its fundraising reach. - Iron Gate Technologies plans to showcase its autonomous security robot Roamer and its SecPod unit on site. - Gary Yeomans Ford will display vehicles at the ballpark. - Iron Gate Technologies is based in Holly Hill, Florida, and develops AI-powered surveillance and security systems. - Gary Yeomans Ford has served Daytona Beach and greater Volusia County since 1982.

What's next: - Organizers are accepting auction-item donations and monetary contributions now at coachgv24.com. - The event is being positioned as the first annual edition, leaving room for it to return in future years. - Attendees can expect additional celebrity appearances during the game, including planned surprises in the fourth inning.

The bottom line: - The July 22 game uses Dick Vitale’s profile to turn a free community event into a fundraiser for cancer research and local youth programs.