Requested Story

For More Information:
Linda Mansfield, Restart Communications
Office: (317) 639-0729
Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 11, 2003

Racing To Recovery: An Evening With Christopher Reeve
The Biggest Indy 500 Social Event, Will Benefit Three Not-for-Profit Groups

INDIANAPOLIS, April 11 - All indications are that the fourth annual "Racing to Recovery Gala," always a sell-out, will be three times better in 2003.

The pre-Indy 500 party not only benefits the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation
this year, but it will also raise funds for two other groups: the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Foundation and the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation.

What's more, Reeve is one of the celebrities slated to attend. The actor/director plans to express his appreciation to those in attendance for supporting all three groups' common goal — finding a cure for paralysis.

The gala, which gives partygoers the opportunity to mingle with many of the stars of the Indianapolis 500, will be held on Monday night, May 12 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the headquarters of Standard Management Corp., 10689 N. Pennsylvania St. in Indianapolis. This year it will be sponsored by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, presented by Raymond James & Associates and hosted by U.S. Health Services and Standard Management. Anthem, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, Clarian Health Partners, Medtronic and Toyota Motor Sales USA are among the other companies providing additional support.

The affair features cocktails, a lavish strolling dinner buffet provided by Ruth's Chris Steak House and a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia and other one-of-a-kind merchandise donated by many different celebrities and businesses. Noted motorsports artist Bill Patterson will also be on hand and will create an original oil painting during the gala which will be auctioned off that night.

Tickets cost $199 per person and may be purchased by telephone at (317) 281-0423 or by e-mail at [email protected].

A limited number of tickets are also available for a once-in-a-lifetime private reception with Reeve prior to the gala. Available for purchase at $1,000 each, they include admission to the gala.

All proceeds for the evening will benefit the three organizations.

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) raises funds for medical research
and rehabilitation for people impacted by paralysis. Schmidt, an Indy car driver who was paralyzed in a racing accident on Jan. 6, 2000, founded the 501(c)3 organization. In addition to guiding the foundation, he is currently the team owner of an Infiniti Pro Series team. The foundation's mailing address is 411 Dorman St. in Indianapolis.

The Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI), one of the facilities where Schmidt was hospitalized after his accident, is one of the few freestanding rehabilitation hospitals in Indiana. It has the backing of two of the largest and most respected organizations in the state: Clarian Health Partners and St. Vincent Hospitals & Health Services. It has four locations throughout the Indianapolis area. Its headquarters are located at 4141 Shore Drive.

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The foundation also vigorously works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through its grants program, paralysis resource center and advocacy efforts. The CRPF is headquartered at 500 Morris Ave., Springfield, N.J.

More information is available on each group's Web site: www.SamSchmidt.org;
www.rhin.com and www.ChristopherReeve.org.

# # #