News:

5-18-2005
Benefit Fundraiser Reaches New Heights
Racing To Recovery Gala Raises Nearly Quarter Million

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - A race fan’s fantasy ball might well have helped make dreams come true for hundreds of thousands of spinal cord injured throughout the world.

The sixth annual Racing To Recovery Gala raised over $232,000 Monday night at Eddie Merlot’s restaurant. Nearly 500 people joined names like Michael Andretti, Sam Hornish, Jr. and Helio Castroneves in a fund-raising dinner and charity auction to benefit the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana.

“What can I say? Look at this place! It’s packed with people. This is such a testament to the commitment of the racing community to one another and it’s such a huge step for the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation,” said Schmidt.

Andretti was earnestly touched when he was presented with the first-ever SSPF Legendary Driver award.

“Michael deserves this for his racing accomplishments, but he shouldn’t really be getting it because he’s just not old enough to be a legend,” laughed Schmidt as he presented Andretti with the award, thanking him for his generous and continued support of the Foundation.

Among the items presented was an original painting with the cars Andretti drove in his career, his helmet and a backdrop of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Andretti paused for a moment to get a good look at his gift.

“Wow! Sam, that is incredible. That is really nice,” said Andretti. “One of the reasons I’ve been so involved with helping Sam (with his Foundation) is that in racing, we work with technology everyday - our equipment is so advanced. I see what technology is doing for us. With what I see technology can do, I know that there will one day be a cure for paralysis.”

The mission of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is to help individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances. The Foundation also raises funds to improve quality of life issues and ensure the best possible outcomes by touching individual lives.