IRL Drivers, Celebrities & SSPF Supporters Turn Out for 4th Annual Racing
to Recovery Golf Tournament
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation hosted its 4th Annual Racing to
Recovery Golf Tournament on Monday, November 2, 2009. The annual
tournament, which was held at Revere Golf Club's Lexington Course
in Henderson, raised over $160,000 to help fund research and quality of
life programs for those with spinal cord injuries and
paralysis. "On behalf of the foundation I would like to thank
everyone for making this a one-of-a-kind event," states Sam
Schmidt, founder of The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. "It is
always inspiring to be surrounded by our supporters; their enthusiasm,
dedication, and loyalty is unmatchable."
Over 100 golfers turned out for the fundraiser, including
actor/songwriter Clifton Davis and sports stars Brandon Bernstein, Mike
Cofer, Chris Fetter, Logan Gomez, Richie Hearn, Wayne Kirby, Mike
Pritchard and Anthony Simmons. Players vied for, but none won, the
elusive hole-in-one prize, a red 2010 Harley-Davidson SofttailŽ Classic
donated by Southern Nevada Harley-Davidson. This year's
"winning foursome" was actually a fivesome: John Hickey, Jim
Evans, Ron Futrell, Craig Reed and Steve Roeth.
The night before the tournament, sponsors, golfers, and supporters
enjoyed a pre-party at Pole Position Raceway; a fun-filled evening of
indoor go-cart racing, silent and live auctions, and delicious
food. Special hand controlled go-karts were also available for exhibition
drives and racing action. Guests competed against their favorite
celebrities and bid on auction items including lunch with Las Vegas Mayor
Oscar Goodman, a Newport Beach vacation and a private 5 course meal
prepared by Emery from Emery's Italian Cuisine & Steakhouse, a
popular Las Vegas restaurant.
"With everything else that is going on in the news, it is
encouraging to see that so many have not lost sight of the Foundation,
and continue to fight alongside us to improve opportunities, access and
everyday quality of life for individuals and their families," said
Ida Cahill, President of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.
Cindy Norton, Serena Jain, Ellen Oxley, Ida Cahill, Melanie Johnstone,
Sam Schmidt, Kay Kohlman and Jessica Villardi
From left: Cindy Norton, Serena Jain, Ellen Oxley, Ida Cahill, Melanie
Johnstone, Sam Schmidt, Kay Kohlman and Jessica Villardi. "Thanks and
we'll see you again next year!"
John Hickey, Jim Evans, Ron Futrell, Craig Reed and Steve Roeth - the big
winners at our 2009 Racing to Recovery Golf Tournament in Las Vegas.
***
A Message from Ida Cahill, President & CEO
As 2009 begins to come to a close, many are already looking forward to
2010. This past year has been a challenging one for the country,
businesses, individuals, and charities. The Sam Schmidt Paralysis
Foundation is no exception.
We are truly grateful for everyone who has supported us this year: our
many volunteers and particularly our donors. Your hard work and
commitment to the mission and vision of SSPF has enabled us to fund a
record level of research which will lead to cures and treatments for
those with spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
A recent survey states that almost 6 million people live with some type
of paralysis in the United States and this number will only rise as our
brave men and women in the Armed Forces continue to fight the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of the 1,500,000 people with a spinal cord
injury live on less than $25,000 a year and some on less than $10,000.
The insurance companies continue to reduce the number of days people are
permitted to stay in the hospital after an injury (down to a national
level of 19 days) and continue to refuse more than 10 days of physical
therapy a year. In order to maintain bone density, muscle mass, a
feeling of well being, and keep the body healthy for the possibility of
new clinical trials, physical therapy needs to occur several times a week
throughout the year.
Please help us fund the necessary research to change lives through
research, our Quality of Life grants that have immediate impact on people
with paralysis and life challenges, and our Day at the Races program
which has become so popular and offers hope to hundreds of individuals.
We need your help now more than ever. We continue to hold our
administrative costs low: 82 cents out of every dollar supports
programs.
Your contribution can be made through our web site, www.samschmidt.org or
you can send a check or credit card number to: Sam Schmidt Paralysis
Foundation, PO Box 3661, Princeton, NJ 08543-3661. Your gift, no matter
how great or how small, will help to change the lives of so many.
Thank you.
-credit: sspf
