A former United Way, child ambassador spokesperson with Down Syndrome, who is the inspiration behind a new, Tampa-based movie called Because of Sam, still advocates for people with disabilities, 25 years later.
This heartwarming movie that’s transforming how the world views people with disabilities chronicles PDQ Team Member Sam Piazza’s uplifting story, has just been released to stream online, worldwide, in conjunction with Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Tampa independent filmmaker Renee Warmack is “taking it to the streets” to promote the GOOD NEWS film amid the pandemic, politics, and sports playoffs!
After watching Because of Sam, Suzanne McCormick, US President, United Way Worldwide said,
“I loved it! So uplifting! Truly inspiring!”
Watch the movie and trailer by clicking the button below:
YES, I Want to Rent the Movie Because of Sam
Piazza’s life has not been easy, but he remains a courageous, passionate advocate for people with disabilities, has a black belt in karate, volunteers at Gigi’s Playhouse and Best Buddies, won Homecoming King at his high school, and works at a PDQ restaurant…
…. And now, he is the star of a movie about his life, which also features WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil.
Independent Filmmaker and Tampa native, Renee Warmack, discovered Sam in the Tampa Tribune when he won Homecoming King in 2009 and was riveted by the story when she learned that he had Down syndrome. She highlights Sam’s inspirational story in the movie that’s getting rave reviews and sold-out Tampa Theatre. Many of the organizations that have supported Sam are featured in the movie, such as Gigi’s Playhouse, the YMCA, United Cerebral Palsy, Best Buddies, Special Olympics, as well as the United Way and the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.
What: Because of Sam (a 50-minute, independent documentary film produced in Tampa, Florida)
Where: Available, exclusively at WatchBecauseofSam.com/ (as $11.99 at-home rental and other options)
Why: Because the world needs uplifting news that promotes love, hope, and acceptance, and that gives a voice to people with disabilities.
All Movie Trailers: Movie Trailers for Because of Sam – Featuring WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil
More About Sam Piazza’s United Way Back Story: By the time Sam Piazza was four years old he had survived a difficult birth, numerous surgeries and was receiving United Way-funded, intervention services. The United Way helped the Piazza family pay for critical services that they’d otherwise not been able to afford, so when Sam’s Mother, Ruth Piazza, was asked if Sam would be the poster boy aka brand ambassador, for its campaign, she and Sam signed on. The opportunity to speak to groups at a young age launched Sam’s public speaking career that continues to this day.
About Renee Warmack – Producer, Director, and Writer – Because of Sam – 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 help others claim their power and capture their dreams. Learn more at BecauseofSamTheMovie.com; IMDB; ReneeWarmackProductions.com
Contact: Renee Warmack – Producer, ReneeWarmackProductions@yahoo.com; 813-610-3132; Renee Warmack Productions, LLC
