INDY 500: Morton's, Treadway Benefit Celebrates Success
17 May 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
|
An evening of driving stars and fantastic food, the Benefit drew a sold out crowd of approximately 350 individuals from the corporate and racing communities to raise funds for open-wheel driver Sam Schmidt. Schmidt, who was injured earlier this year in an Indy Racing Northern Light Series testing accident was joined last evening by drivers such as Arie Luyendyk, Eddie Cheever, Jimmy Vasser, Robbie Buhl, Ross Cheever, Jeff Ward, Billy Boat, Robby McGehee, Jimmy Kite, Sam Hornish and many others, as well as the founder of the series-Tony George.
In a brief presentation by broadcaster Jack Arute, Schmidt made his thanks to those attending and uplifted the crowd with his spirit and humor. "There aren't enough words," he stated. "I mumbled something in ICU (intensive care unit) in the beginning, and three weeks later I realized that the Foundation was already created and running, thanks to help of board members Jeff Jones, Ed Mattix, Scott Cronk and my father-and I hadn't even been to a meeting yet."
The generosity of Morton's was unrivaled as patrons sampled from a lavish strolling buffet while brushing elbows with driving stars and bidding on a tremendous collection of exclusive autographed sports collectibles from the NFL, Major League Baseball, The Indy Racing Northern Light Series, NASCAR and the music industry.
With thanks to Morton's, The Sam Schmidt Foundation continues their quest to raise funds for those with spinal cord injuries and illnesses, and continues to encourage contributions from well-wishers. Those who wish to donate may contact Ruthie Culbertson at Treadway Racing for more information on the Foundation as well as The Sam Schmidt Family Trust.
Morton's of Chicago, The Steakhouse, operates premium quality restaurants. The first Morton's was opened up in Chicago in 1978, and has expanded to a group of 51 restaurants worldwide. Since its opening, Morton's has been consistently recognized as one of the nation's finest dining establishments, achieving critical acclaim and numerous industry awards for premium food and wine selections, quality of service and elegant dcor.
Sam Schmidt is currently participating in a program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri that is designed to optimize neural activity in the injured spinal cord and reverse his quadriplegia. He has recovered enhanced ability to spontaneously breathe and has begun to gain motor and sensory function below his original level of injury.
Text provided by Ruthie Culbertson
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