Members of the Green Bay Packers Women's Association, along with wives and significant others from across the NFL, are working together this season in support of the Pat Tillman Foundation and its charity fundraiser, 'Race for Pat.'
Tillman, a former player for Arizona State and the Arizona Cardinals, was killed in military action in Afghanistan April 22, 2004.
After Tillman's death, his friends and family established the foundation, its mission to carry forward his legacy by inspiring and supporting others striving to promote positive change in themselves and the world around them. The foundation supports various projects of scholarship and wellbeing.
A major component of fundraising for the foundation is the 'Race for Pat,' a pledge event that began earlier this year and concludes April 16, 2005, with a 4.2-mile race (Tillman wore No. 42 in college) in Tempe, Ariz. Participants need not run in the Tempe, Ariz., race to take part in the 'Race for Pat,' as they simply collect pledges for each mile logged from now until April. Participation is not limited to running, as many partaking in the event are tracking miles registered via a number of exercises, including walking, swimming and bicycling.
"We're very excited to be taking part in the 'Race for Pat,' " said Laurie Ruegamer, wife of Packers center Grey Ruegamer and leadership committee member of the Packers Women's Association. "Many of the PWA members here in Green Bay are involved. The players are behind us, too, which is great. Grey is sponsoring me...$2 for every mile until April.
"We're encouraging everyone to get involved."
Persons interested in participating in the 'Race for Pat' or getting involved on behalf of the foundation are asked to log on to www.pattillmanfoundation.net.
All NFL games today recognized Veteran's Day, celebrated Nov. 11, through an in-stadium video salute to Pat Tillman as well as a 30-second TV tribute aired during all broadcasts saluting military families.
For more information on the PWA's involvement in the 'Race for Pat,' please contact Sherry Schuldes, the Packers' manager of family programs, at 920-569-7500.
