Updated

Dick Vitale's fight against cancer is nearing a major milestone.

Vitale says he expects to top the $10 million mark with his eighth annual celebrity gala in Sarasota, Fla., on Friday night.

The event will honor former Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden, former Connecticut basketball coach/cancer survivor Jim Calhoun, and Kansas basketball coach Bill Self.

The gala raises money for the V Foundation in honor of the late Jim Valvano. Net proceeds go to pediatric cancer research.

Vitale says the night "has gone way beyond my dreams."

More than 70 sports celebrities are scheduled to attend, including Florida coach Billy Donovan, Kentucky coach John Calipari, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, Miami coach Jim Larranaga and Florida State coaches Jimbo Fisher (football) and Leonard Hamilton (basketball).