“Night at the Races” a Win for Foundation

Memorial Event for Sam Heitzenrater Raises $9000 For Research

Most people would have considered Saturday, November 17, 2007 to be a bad weather day, with rain and fog persisting most of the day. But inside the Economy Volunteer Fire Hall in Freedom, Pennsylvania, the sun was shining brightly over the "Sam Heitzenrater Memorial Night at the Races"…shining BIG time!

The event, attended by more that 250 dedicated friends and family gathered to celebrate Sam, was a huge success and a testimony to the kind of husband, father, son, and friend Sam Heitzenrater clearly was and the degree to which he has impacted the lives of those that surrounded him.

“When Sam was diagnosed in 2006, we knew that there was very little that we could do for him,” said his sister-in-law, Kelly Bischak. “When he passed away in May, we wanted to honor Sam as a father and as a friend. We decided to raise money for the Tug McGraw Foundation, with the hopes that one day others facing this diagnosis could have hope.”

The evening was full of energy, excitement, and fun, highlighted by the reflections on Sam by his wife, Stacey, as well as Kelly. Sam's children, Brett and Camryn, were the life of the party and touched many as they spoke fondly of their dad.

This exciting event was truly a family affair. Pictured from left are Shannon Rinestine, Kelly Bischak (Sam's sister-in-law), Stacey Heitzenrater (Sam's wife), Paula Deep, Brett Heitzenrater (son of Sam), Camryn Heitzenrater (daughter of Sam), Tom Heitzenrater (Sam's brother), Mike Flanagan (TMF board member), and off to the side is Emily Bischak (Sam's niece).

Mike Flanagan, a Tug McGraw Foundation board member attending the event, could not escape the clear esteem that Sam garnered from everyone in attendance. "After speaking with many of Sam's friends and family,” said Flanagan, “it was very apparent that Sam positively impacted the lives of an awful lot of people, and, although he left the world too soon, he has left it a better place for having been here.”

The event, held as a dedication to Sam, raised over $9000 for the Tug McGraw Foundation and their mission to support brain tumor research. “I know that Sam would be pleased to know that something positive has come from the tragedy that his family has faced,” said Kelly.

The Tug McGraw Foundation would like to recognize and thank all of Sam's friends and family for an incredible effort, especially Kelly Bischak and Stacey Heitzenrater. “Ya gotta believe” Sam is smiling down on all of us right now.

Thanks, Sam.