Tug McGraw Foundation Welcomes Major
Sponsors for its Texas Hold 'Em Fundraiser

The Philadelphia Phillies, Motorola, Marriott, and Continental Airlines to provide support for event that benefits brain
tumor research

NAPA VALLEY, CA August 16, 2006 – Motorola is the latest supporter to join the growing list of nationally recognized sponsors of The Tug McGraw Foundation’s annual event, “An Evening with Tim McGraw & Friends: Honoring Those Who Make a Difference”, on November 3rd, 2006 at The Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Guests at the gala will have the chance to play Texas Hold 'Em with an all-star line-up of entertainment and sports celebrities including former Chicago Bears Super Bowl winning quarterback, Jim McMahon; Baseball Hall of Famer, Steve (Lefty) Carlton; National League All-Star, Bob Boone; Trump Apprentice, Kelly Perdew; and, retired Phillies catcher, Darren “Dutchie” Daulton. The winner of the poker tournament will receive a trip to Las Vegas and a seat at a table in the World Series of Poker – a prize worth over $10,000. In addition to trying their hand at poker, guests will enjoy a live stage show, live and silent auctions, and an awards ceremony honoring people who have helped to improve the quality of life for brain tumor patients and their families.

Returning as Master of Ceremonies, legendary baseball analyst and commentator, Bob Costas, will recognize this year’s honorees: Chicago White Sox First Baseman, Jim Thome; one of the leading brain tumor researchers in the world, Dr. Darrel Bigner; President of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tom Muldoon; and Chairman of the Philadelphia Phillies, Bill Giles.

Last year, approximately 400 guests attended the gala which was held at Gotham Hall in New York City. George Bodenheimer, President of ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports, accepted an award on behalf of ESPN, Inc. for its work to support brain tumor research. Awards were also given to Rusty Staub, Tug’s friend and teammate with the New York Mets, and Tim McGraw, the Tug McGraw Foundation’s Honorary Chairman. McGraw’s band, the Dancehall Doctors, performed along with Hot Apple Pie and the Warren Brothers.

For more information about “An Evening with Tim McGraw & Friends”, to purchase tickets, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.tugmcgraw.org.

The Tug McGraw Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Napa, California. It was founded by former major league baseball player Tug McGraw in 2003 to help brain tumor survivors and their families live well by funding quality of life research and raising public awareness about brain tumors. The Foundation has established the Tug McGraw Center for Quality of Life and Supportive Care Research in Neuro-Oncology at Duke University, provides grants for brain tumor research, and awards scholarships to college students who exemplify Tug’s “Ya Gotta Believe” attitude.