News:

5-10-2005
Some Tickets Remain For May 16 Benefit Gala

Some Tickets Remain For May 16 Benefit Gala

Racing To Recovery Set In Indianapolis,

Sam Schmidt Foundation Among Beneficiaries

INDIANAPOLIS – A limited number of tickets to the sixth annual Racing To Recovery Gala and Eddie Merlot’s restaurant, 3645 East 96th Street in Indianapolis remain available for fans and participants. The gala is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and continue through 10 p.m. on Monday, May 16.

The gala hosted by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway benefits the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana. Top drivers and officials from the Indianapolis 500 and the Indy Racing League annually gather for the cocktail party, auction and charity fund-raiser. It is considered one of the hottest tickets during the Month of May leading up to the Indianapolis 500.

Michael Andretti will receive the “Legendary Driver Award” as part of the evening.

Festivities include cocktails and a lavish strolling dinner buffet. Besides meeting drivers and teams, fans will be able to participate in live and silent auctions including one-of-a-kind motorsports memorabilia.

Tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased through Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, ATTN: Gretchen Fox, 4141 Shore Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46254 or by phoning (317) 450-2070.

Schmidt’s personal story is a compelling one that shows tremendous hope. After crashing during an Indy car test in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 6, 2000, Schmidt spent six weeks on a respirator and was diagnosed a quadriplegic as the result of a severe injury to his spinal cord at the C-3/C-4 levels. The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation was set up soon thereafter, at Schmidt’s request and direction, to assist other people suffering from spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding medical research and quality of life programs.

In 2001, just 14 months after his devastating accident, Schmidt shocked the racing community. He announced the formation of Sam Schmidt Motorsports, and named Las Vegas neighbor, and friend Davey Hamilton as his driver. Schmidt was back doing what he loves most - racing.

Today, Schmidt remains paralyzed from the chest down. Doctors have not ruled out a partial or complete recovery, but it could take years. Schmidt and his team of physical therapists continue an aggressive schedule of four to six hours of daily therapy. His therapy regimen includes: muscular range of motion exercises, weight-supported walking on a treadmill, several hours of Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES), swimming pool therapy and riding a StimMaster stationary bike that is operated by Schmidt through electronic stimulation.

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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Williams Company of America, Inc. (704) 660-0796

NOTE: Those planning on covering the Gala should contact Lori Smith of Williams Company at (704) 660-0796.