For release Oct. 9, 2000
Contact: Stacy Gold, SRPR (702) 253-0344

“HallowEve” takes over the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Oct. 30

   …fundraiser in Las Vegas features special appearances by racing greats Sam Schmidt, Tony Stewart, Arie Luyendyk and more

LAS VEGAS – The hottest Halloween party this year will be on Oct. 30 at the Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as top Indy Racing League and NASCAR racers turn out for the first-ever HallowEve benefit bash.

Among those slated to attend are Tony Stewart, driver of the #20 Home Depot Pontiac Grand Prix in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, along with Indy Racing League drivers Davey Hamilton, Scott Sharp and 1999 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year Robby McGehee.

HallowEve is a benefit for the Sam Schmidt Foundation, a nonprofit foundation formed after former Indy Racing League star Sam Schmidt was left paralyzed in a January racing accident. Schmidt, who lives in Henderson, Nev., will also be greeting guests at the event, which is open to the public.

The Oct. 30 event at the Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel begins at 6:30 p.m. with a lavish VIP dinner, a silent auction and live entertainment by Las Vegas impressionist André-Philippe Gagnon and 12-year-old local singing sensation Brittany Breed. 

Gagnon, who is currently headlining at the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, showcases impressions by such greats as Mick Jagger, Barry White, Tina Turner, Santana, Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, Micheal Jackson and more.

Breed, a Nevadan who has a role in the recently released film “Beautiful,” was a series regular on the television shows “Tinkerbell the Clown” and “Prime Time Kids.” Additionally, she has performed live at the Sony/Billboard Showcase, the MGM Grand Theme Park and most recently was the opening act for Merle Haggard.

VIP tickets are $250 per person, or $2,250 for tables of 10. Call (317) 387-0888 or (702) 253-0344 for VIP tickets, sponsorships or information.

A HallowEve after party starts at 11 p.m. inside the Joint with Las Vegas’ hottest deejays, DJ Frankie of NYC and DJ Hollywood, spinning the latest sounds. A costume contest with cash and prizes for the winners is also part of the mix. Tickets to the HallowEve after party are $25 and available at the Hard Rock Hotel box office or by calling (702) 693-5000. The after party is open to the public, and those who purchase a VIP dinner ticket are admitted with no extra charge.

Though Sam Schmidt may never drive again, he is well on his way to becoming a winner in another walk of life. The nonprofit foundation he helped develop is dedicated to raising money to help people with spinal injuries live a better life through scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and the most advanced technology.

“We formed the foundation and put together this event in Las Vegas so we start immediately helping as many people as we can,” said Schmidt, who won the 1999 IRL race in Las Vegas just months before the accident. “We chose Las Vegas because this is my home and as everyone knows, it’s a great place to have a party. The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) convention is bringing about 70,000 people to town that week, and there’s an American LeMans Series race at the speedway the weekend before.   So I think it will be a great time to get friends, relatives and our racing family together for fun and a great cause."

Schmidt added that his condition is improving gradually and said that he is looking forward to visiting with guests at HallowEve. 

For more information on the event or the Sam Schmidt Foundation, call (702) 253-0344 or (317) 387-0888 or e-mail nweiler@iquest.net.