Tug McGraw Foundation Hosts Major Fundraiser in New York City

Tug McGraw Foundation Hosts Major Fundraiser in New York City

Country Singer Tim McGraw, Bob Costas and Rusty Staub Will Join a Host of Celebrities to Celebrate the Legacy of Famed Phillies Relief Pitcher, Tug McGraw

GLENSIDE, Pa., July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- "Ya Gotta Believe." Three small, but powerful words used by the late New York Mets reliever Tug McGraw in l973 to rally his team to an amazing September run. The phrase that has motivated thousands of people facing serious life challenges. The inspiration that helped Tug through the 10-month battle with brain cancer that took his life in January 2004.

To carry on this amazing spirit and celebrate Tug's extraordinary life, the Tug McGraw Foundation will host the Inaugural Ya Gotta Believe Gala on November 14, 2005. Country Music Television (CMT) is the presenting sponsor of the Gala that will be held at Gotham Hall in New York City. Tim McGraw, Tug's son, will serve as honorary chairman, and attend the event along with Gala Chairs Brian Phillips of CMT, Van E. Toffler of MTV/VH1/CMT, and Jeff Wilpon of the New York Mets.

Veteran sportscaster and commentator Bob Costas will serve as Emcee. Baseball legend Rusty Staub and ESPN, Inc. will be honored in recognition of their positive impact in areas important to the Foundation and cancer survivors. George Bodenheimer, President of ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports, will accept the award on behalf of the networks.

"Many of Tug's most important contributions were off of the baseball field," said Laurie Hawkins, president of the Tug McGraw Foundation. "His ability to impact people's lives positively was evident in the many people who called him a friend. Through the Foundation he created we will continue with this legacy for adults and children with brain cancer."

The evening will include a reception and dinner, and will feature musical entertainment. The Gala precedes the Country Music Association Awards that will be held on November 15 at Madison Square Garden and is expected to draw numerous entertainers, athletes and business leaders.

For Gala sponsorship information and ticket sales, please contact CMI Events at (212) 786-6185 or YGBGala@cmevents.net. Information is also on the Foundation's website at http://www.tugmcgraw.com/.

The Tug McGraw Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Glenside, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 2003 by the late Tug McGraw before he lost his battle with brain cancer. McGraw spent 19 years in Major League Baseball with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. The Foundation's mission is to fund pioneering neuro-oncology quality of life research, recognize young athletes and collegiate leaders through the Diamond 45 scholarship program, and raise awareness of the disease through public outreach and collaborative partnerships.

Source: Tug McGraw Foundation

CONTACT: Laurie Hawkins, Tug McGraw Foundation, +1-215-885-5355 or +1-267-664-2710 (cell); or Dava Guerin, Guerin Public Relations, Inc., +1-215-914-2040 or +1-215-262-0740 (cell)

Web site: http://www.tugmcgraw.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Coverage is invited.

------- Profile: Ent