Because of Sam Documentary at Tampa Theatre – 7/31

Tampa Theatre to Host Screening of the Inspirational

Documentary Film Because of Sam

A story about the heroic life of Tampa native and PDQ Team Member Sam Piazza,

who was born with Down syndrome

Tampa, FL (July 20, 2021) – The Tampa Theatre and Renee Warmack Productions will host a special screening presented by McGriff Insurance Services on Saturday, July 31, of Because of Sam, a Tampa-produced documentary film about long-time PDQ (People Dedicated to Quality) Team Member Sam Piazza, who was born with Down syndrome. This enhanced version of the film features Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil, and has not yet been shown at Tampa Theatre. The event is set in July to raise awareness about the capabilities of people with disabilities, while commemorating the July 1990 enactment of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Because of Sam won Tampa’s Downtown Partnership Urban Excellence People’s Choice Award and made its TV debut on PBS WEDU. Hear what others are saying:

“… congratulations on this important documentary… it will certainly inspire others to be accepting, encouraging, and inclusive of everyone.” ~ Jane Castor, City of Tampa Mayor 

“Be prepared to be wowed… because it’s something very special and something much needed, especially in the world today…” ~ Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil

“Sam is a wonderful young man who is an amazing representative of our brand, and we are proud to partner with him, his family, and Renee on this exciting project.” ~Nick Reader, PDQ CEO and Co-Founder

Tampa native, University of South Florida alumna and Filmmaker Renee Warmack produced Because of Sam after discovering Sam Piazza in the Tampa Tribune when he won Homecoming King at Gaither High School. He began his stardom as a United Way Brand Ambassador at the age of four, has a black belt in karate, led his Best Buddies chapter in high school, and has worked at PDQ for eight years. Sam’s family, friends, and local organizations such as United Way, Gigi’s Playhouse, YMCA, Best Buddies, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, and United Cerebral Palsy, are featured in the film.

Warmack and Piazza present the movie to organizations to inspire others, and to promote empathy and inclusion. They will host a Q & A and Audience Discussion following the film on Saturday, July 31 at 1 pm at Tampa Theatre. Tickets are $12.50 for General Admission and $9.50 for Tampa Theatre Members and can be purchased at https://tampatheatre.org/movie/because-of-sam/ or Tampa Theatre Box Office.

Event Details: Because of Sam (Watch Movie Trailer at: BecauseofSamTheMovie.com)

Date: Saturday, July 31, 2021

Location: Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St. Tampa, FL 33602

Event Timeline:

Noon: Doors will open to purchase food, drinks, and the best popcorn around at the Lobby concession stand

1 pm: Brief introduction and screening of Because of Sam (Runtime: 50 minutes)

2 pm: Brief Q & A and Audience Discussion with Filmmaker Renee Warmack and Star Sam Piazza, for those who attend the film screening

Thank you to Presenting Sponsor McGriff Insurance Services

(More)

About McGriff Insurance Services

A subsidiary of Truist Insurance Holdings, McGriff is a full-service insurance broker providing risk management and insurance solutions to clients across the United States. The firm’s coverages include commercial property and casualty, corporate bonding and surety services, cyber, management liability, captives and alternative risk transfer programs, small business, employee benefits, title insurance, personal lines, and life and health. For more information, McGriff Insurance Services

About PDQ

Founded in 2011, award-winning PDQ – “People Dedicated to Quality” – offers chef-driven recipes and mindful ingredients typically found in a fine casual restaurant with the value, speed and convenience of the fast food and fast casual segment. Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham and MVP Holdings CEO Nick Reader are the two principal owners of PDQ. Beloved throughout the Southeast and now beyond for its famous hand-breaded chicken tenders and signature sauces, PDQ also crafts delicious sandwiches and salads fresh in store, every day. PDQ is committed to creating deep roots in its local communities and has given over $6 million in dollars and in-kind donations to local charities, schools, and organizations since its inception. On October 30, 2011, the original PDQ restaurant opened its doors in Tampa (FL) and the concept now has locations throughout Florida, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.eatPDQ.com.

About Renee Warmack Productions

Tampa native and University of South Florida alumna, Renee Warmack, MPA, is a Producer, Speaker and Coach who uses her inspirational movies, engaging events, and motivational coaching programs to change the world, for good. Learn more at: ReneeWarmackProductions.com and BecauseofSamTheMovie.com

Media Contact

Renee Warmack, Producer, (813) 610-3132; ReneeWarmackProductions@yahoo.com

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