¦ May 20, 2011
SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION HONORS ROGER PENSKE AT RACING TO RECOVERY GALA
Annual event raises nearly $300,000 to support medical research to find a cure for paralysis

by Jeremy Riffle, Bohlsen PR

  Sam Schmdt and Indycar drivers on stage 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 20, 2011) – The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) hosted its 12th annual Racing to Recovery Gala this past Wednesday in downtown Indianapolis, where it was able to raise nearly $300,000 to support medical research to find a cure for paralysis. In addition, Schmidt and four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears presented Roger Penske with the Legends of Racing Award.

Penske is the founder of Penske Racing, one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced 332 major race wins, 396 pole positions, 23 national championships and a record 15 Indianapolis 500 race wins. 

Numerous IndyCar Series drivers were also on-hand to support SSPF and watch Penske receive his award including Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe, Will Power, Danica Patrick, Dan Wheldon, Alex Tagliani and Bertrand Baguette. Indy 500 legends came out to celebrate as well; past drivers in attendance included Mears, Bobby Unser and Arie Luyendyk.

“Sam and I are delighted that Roger Penske was a part of last night’s Racing to Recovery Gala,” said Ida Cahill, President and CEO of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. “His achievements in the world of motorsports and business are applauded by everyone with whom he comes in contact.  He is truly an ambassador for the sport and we couldn’t have chosen a more worthy recipient of our Legends of Racing Award. We were also humbled by the support that both the racing and Indianapolis communities showed the Foundation through their generosity last night. The Racing to Recovery Gala has become a highly anticipated event during the month of May and we’re excited to see it grow even bigger in the future.”

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation was established in 2000 by Indy Racing League driver Sam Schmidt shortly after a practice-run crash left him paralyzed from the chest down. 

SSPF is leading the charge to cure paralysis by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances benefiting those with spinal cord injuries, stroke victims and people diagnosed with ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases. In addition to initiating local and national advocacy efforts on behalf of those disabled, SSPF also funds national “Days at the Races” and “Run, Walk ‘N Wheelathon” programs. Ida Cahill is a member of the Spinal Cord Leaders Council.

   SSPF President/CEO Ida Cahill and SSPF founder Sam Schmidt