Notre Dame's "Rudy" to Speak at Geltrude Fundraiser
• Foundation's Wine Tasting Dinner June 10 at Nanina's
Jun 2, 2010 – The Mike Geltrude Foundation has announced that Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, the former Notre Dame University football player best known as the inspiration for the motion picture "Rudy," will be the guest speaker at the foundation's annual fundraiser. The dinner and wine tasting event will take place at Nanina's in the Park at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 10. The event will feature more than 30 varieties of wines in addition to a cocktail hour and dinner buffet. A sports memorabilia auction will also be held during the evening.
The foundation invited Rudy to speak at the event because of his inspirational determination depicted in the film that bears his name. Rudy was born into a lower-middle class household, and was the third of 14 children. He had harbored a dream to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team since childhood.
Despite his small size, 5'6" and 165 pounds, and being denied admittance three times to the Notre Dame, Rudy persisted in achieving his dream. He was ultimately accepted to the university and struggled through two grueling years of playing on the scout team, a practice-squad that helps the varsity team prepare for games.
In Rudy's last opportunity to play for Notre Dame as a senior, he was put into a game as a defensive end against Georgia Tech on November 8, 1975. As those who have watched the movie "RUDY" can recall, in the final play of the game, Rudy recorded a sack. In an emotional scene, Rudy was carried off the field by his teammates following the game. To this day, Rudy is only one of two players in Notre Dame history to ever be carried off the field by his teammates.
Rudy is now a highly sought after motivational speaker who entertains international corporate audiences with a unique, passionate and heartfelt style of communicating. He also speaks to school children, university students, and professional athletes with the same enthusiasm, portraying the human spirit that comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph.
In addition to his motivational speaking, Rudy has co-authored several books. He has recently established his own foundation, whose mission is to help children of all ages around the world reach their full potential. The Rudy Foundation develops and supports programs that positively impact the lives of children cognitively, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
The Mike Geltrude Foundation was established in 2006 just prior to the passing of long time Nutley resident Mike Geltrude from melanoma skin cancer. The foundation was formed for the purpose of raising funds for melanoma awareness, education and research. To date, the foundation has donated more than $100,000 to melanoma research. In addition, New Jersey passed the Mike Geltrude Law three years ago which places restrictions on minors using tanning salons.
The Geltrude Foundation has also released its documentary educational film on melanoma called "Dead Wrong, It's Only Skin Cancer." The film is being distributed nationwide to high school students to educate on melanoma prevention, detection and treatment as well as sun safety. The Township of Nutley honored Geltrude in 2007 for his contributions to the Nutley soccer program by dedicating the field at DeMuro Park in his name.
Tickets for the fund-raising dinner and wine tasting can be purchased by contacting Sal Cocco at 973-667-8650.
