The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) will host the 15th annual Racing to Recovery Gala Saturday, May 24 at the Lucas Oil Estate in Carmel. The Gala will begin with a Hawaiian luau and auction at 4 p.m., followed by the award presentation at 5 p.m. and a dance party until 10 p.m.

During the event, SSPF founder Sam Schmidt will present the 2014 Legendary Driver Award to Dario Franchitti, the four-time Verizon IndyCar Series champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner who retired from racing last year.

The Racing to Recovery Gala is one of the city's premiere events leading up to the Indianapolis 500. This year's Gala is set on the grounds of the Lucas Oil Mansion in Carmel. A festive Hawaiian luau and buffet will be featured, along with Hawaiian dancers, an interactive hula contest and live music throughout the evening.

A highlight of the event will be a live and silent auction, featuring an impressive and diverse variety of items in all price ranges. The auction raises funds to support SSPF's mission to find a cure for paralysis and is the foundation's largest annual fundraising event. Last year, the event raised more than $300,000 for SSPF and spinal cord injury research.

“This year, we'll honor one of the greatest names in racing,” said Ida Cahill, president and CEO of SSPF. “It will be a memorable evening.”