¦ November 13, 2008
GOLFING, RACING STARS TURN OUT FOR 3RD ANNUAL RACING TO RECOVERY GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Sam Schmidt Foundation Raises $175,000 to Benefit Paralysis Patients, Scientific Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Avrhami
Mindspace
480-941-8497 ext 119
[email protected]

LAS VEGAS (November 10, 2008) – The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, which helps fund research and quality of life programs for those with spinal cord injuries, hosted its 3rd Annual Racing to Recovery Golf Tournament on Monday, November 3, 2008.  The tournament, which was held at the Reflection Bay Golf Course at Lake Las Vegas Resort, raised $175,000. 

“It was wonderful to have so many old and new friends support the Foundation’s event,” said Sam Schmidt, founder of The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.  “The dollars raised will help fund critical research that can benefit thousands of people.”

Over 130 golfers turned out for the fundraiser, including:

- Courtney Erdman – Futures Tour player, and participant of “Big Break” on Golf Channel
- Lee Elder – First African American to play at The Masters in 1975
- Sherman White – former NFL star Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills player (played from 1972 – 83)
- Jamie Little – Reporter for ESPN and ABC Sports, and covers NASCAR
- Al Unser, Jr. – Two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500
- Ana Beatrice – First woman driver to win in Firestone Indy Lights series
- Dillon Batasstini – Indy Lights driver
- Tommy Johnson – Professional Drag Racer
- Tony George – Owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Mike Hull – Team Managing Director of Target Chip Ganassi

Players vied for the hole-in-one prizes, which included:
- 1928 Model A Roadster (valued at $35,000)
- Harley Davidson ($25,000)
- Golf Cart (valued at $10,000)
- Clear box with $10,000 cash

“The Foundation is very blessed to have so many strong supporters of funding research and beneficial life programs for those with spinal cord injuries,” said Schmidt.  “In a tough economy, our supporters have not lost sight of the Foundation or its benefits.”

About The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation:
The foundation helps fund scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances to benefit stroke victims and people diagnosed with ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The foundation also provides college scholarships for people with spinal cord injuries/paralysis, and works tirelessly in its advocacy efforts both locally and nationally on behalf of the disabled.   The foundation was started by Indy Racing League driver, Sam Schmidt’s, whose life was forever changed by a practice-run crash that left him with a devastating spinal cord injury, paralyzing him from the chest down.  Sam has taken the passion and commitment that made him one of America’s top race car drivers, and has focused on creating a broader awareness of spinal cord injuries.
For more information, visit www.samschmidt.org.

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