¦ June 19, 2006
SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION RAISES OVER $330,000 AT STAR-STUDDED ANNUAL 'RACING TO RECOVERY' GALA

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation announced today that it raised more than $330,000 at its seventh annual “Racing to Recovery” Gala held at Eddie Merlot’s Restaurant here last month. Over 500 people attended the 2006 event.

Monies raised for the Foundation are used to help individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances. This research also benefits stroke victims and people diagnosed with ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

SSPF also funds quality of life programs throughout the country benefiting people with paralysis and other disabilities and through its national “Day at the Races” programs. SSPF works tirelessly in its advocacy efforts both locally and nationally.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of those people who attended this year’s Gala and who bid on our auction items. They truly support our Foundation and its objectives”, said Sam Schmidt, the former Indy Car driver who himself became a quadriplegic following a crash in 2000 while testing for that year’s Indianapolis 500 and for whom the Foundation is named. “We will continue to work hard to promote our cause and to help the victims and their families cope with their handicaps”, Schmidt added.

Bidders in both live and silent auctions, including a one-of-a-kind VIP racing experience with Michael Andretti which was sold on eBay, purchased a host of items donated by numerous race teams, drivers and celebrities.

Among the more popular items auctioned were becoming a member of the Andretti-Green Racing pit crew at the Indianapolis 500, vacations to Hawaii and Florida, a Bobby Allison Reality Racing TV trip package, a jersey donated by 7-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, a Meet and Greet Package with NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, a Jack Nicklaus-autographed pin flag from the 2005 British Open Golf Tournament, an autographed tire off of the racecar of current IndyCar Series star driver Danica Patrick and prized bottles of wine.

Rick Mears, who was honored by the SSPF as the winner of its 2006 Legendary Driver Award, headed a long list of celebrities attending the Gala. Mario and Michael Andretti, Arie Luyendyk, 2006 Indy 500 winner Sam, Hornish, Jr., Helio Castroneves, Airton Dare, Scott Dixon, Chris Festa, Jonathan Klein and Thiago Mediros headed the group of drivers attending the affair.

For more information about the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation or for tickets to the May 2007 “Racing to Recovery” Gala contact the SSPF at 317-236-9999.