DALLAS , Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Killian family, of Rockwall , are celebrating a record-breaking fundraising milestone with their annual Sam's Night event , to benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). The 19th annual fundraiser, held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 , raised an impressive sum of nearly $1.
5 million . This fundraising success broke their previous record from last year's event when they raised $1.4 million .
Thanks to its generous supporters, Sam's Night has raised $7.5 million since its inception in 2005. Sam's Night (originally known as Sam's Family Fun Day) was started by the Killian family after their son Sam was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne).
Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 live male births. "We continue to be amazed by the support Sam's Night has received over the years," said Sam's mother, Stefanie Killian . "Sam's Family Fun Day was created 19 years ago to raise awareness and funds to support PPMD's mission while honoring Sam and letting us have some fun with Sam, his friends, and their families.
It has become such a cherished and enduring event that has grown beyond what we ever dreamed, and Sam's Night's success would not be possible without the support of our incredible family, friends, and community." "Sam and the entire Killian family have been beloved members of the PPMD community for years, and their support and dedication.