The Rich Seubert Celebrity Trap Shoot, presented by Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, brought together four Green Bay Packers alumni, as well as six former players for Seubert's former team, the New York Giants.
Rich Seubert (front row, center) is surrounded by former NFL players at the trap shoot.
For the 350 people taking part, it was a great opportunity to see and meet some really big men whose hearts were clearly in the right place.
For Bill Schroeder, former starting wide receiver for the Packers, it was a chance to have a little fun with old friends, meet some new ones and support a great cause.
"It's the type of charity event that does hit home with everybody. Everyone knows someone who has a heart problem," he said. Schroeder had never met Seubert before, but he said there is an unwritten rule among pro players that you help out at somebody else's event, and they will help you out at yours.
Since its founding in 2008, the trap shoot has raised more than $1 million to support heart research at Marshfield Clinic. Supporting heart research is a big draw but the event itself is also unique.
"I do hunt a lot, mostly with a bow, but getting out with a shotgun was brand-new for me. I had a great time, and if they ask me, I'll be back," Schroeder said. He's a natural competitor who set records in track and field during his college days, has driven a golf ball as far as 457 yards in Professional Long Drive Golf, and caught 74 passes for 1,051 yards for the Packers in 1999.
Seubert and his family's firsthand experience with heart disease makes this event very personal for him. Seubert created an endowment at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute in honor of his grandmother, Celine Seubert, who had a heart transplant more than 26 years ago. Celine Seubert passed away in May, but the endowment will continue to benefit heart research, in her honor. (See the article about her legacy.)
In 2011, Cardiologist and Researcher Shereif Rezkalla, M.D., Marshfield Center, was named the inaugural recipient of the Celine Seubert Distinguished Physician Endowment in Cardiology Research. His current studies include analyzing patterns to predict timing of heart attacks in patients with increased risk, and using medical records to study aspirin use for primary heart disease prevention.
"The trap shoot supports our researchers who continue to push heart care forward at the Clinic, all so that people affected by heart disease can spend more tomorrows with their loved ones," said Matt Schneider, Clinic Development officer. "Seeing so many people come out to support the shoot and research is a testament to how many people heart disease touches, and why we need to continue to look for new treatments and cures."
