500 Gives Back Committee Awards Grants

The 500 Gives Back Committee is a part of the 100th Running Host Committee.

The 500 Gives Back Committee has awarded $50,000 in grants to 12 organizations as part of the celebration of the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. The 100th Running Host Committee says the grants are meant to "turbo charge" events and programs that will enrich the lives of Hoosiers.

"The 100th Running Host Committee has involved countless hours of volunteer support to create memorable moments in this epic year,i" said Bob Bryant, president & CEO of the 500 Festival. "The 500 Gives Back Committee, led by committee chair Shelley Hunter, is very excited to play a part in extending the impact of the 100th Running Host Committee by empowering other community and civic organizations to leverage this historic occasion in their own unique ways. All of the organizations receiving grants showed a passion for creative and meaningful executions."

The grant recipients include:

• Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will offer a car racing-themed film series on May 27-28 to celebrate the race and the 100th anniversary of the Hilbert Circle Theatre. Additionally, the ISO will offer over 750 tickets free of charge to student musicians participating in the IPL 500 Festival Parade.
• Indianapolis City Market plans to turn both City Market and the Original Farmers’ Market into a grand 100th Running celebration that bolsters civic pride and creates cultural connections among market-goers and passers-by.
• St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf will build a STEM Garden Project incorporating an Indy 500 Race theme with interactive racing / race car elements.
• Indiana Recycling Coalition plans to enhance its Lend-A-Bin program at 500 Festival events.
• East Tenth United Methodist Children and Youth Center will host the Little Dove 500, a tricycle race for preschoolers.
• Conner Prairie Museum, Inc. will celebrate and promote the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 by connecting museum visitors to an important story from Indiana history – the 1st Running of the Indianapolis 500.
• Masterworks Chorale, Inc will offer a free concert event called “Middletown USA,” inspired by the sesquicentennial of Muncie and the bicentennial of Indiana. The concert will be inspired by Muncie’s numerous connections to the history of the Indy 500.
• Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting d/b/a WFYI Public Media will leverage two of WFYI’s local assets: the long-time public affairs program, “No Limits” and the recently introduced “Speak Up” phone booth, to promote a "My 500" campaign throughout May that will connect listeners and gather personal stories of how the race has impacted the lives of Hoosiers, and record a lasting legacy of the 100th running.
• Children’s Bureau, Inc will host “500 Hours of Hoosier Pride!” In celebration of the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, children residing in the children’s shelter located at the Gene Glick Family Support Center will dedicate time to learning about Indiana’s rich history each day from May 1st to May 21st.
• Project Purse Indianapolis plans to institute a public drive for 500 purses and products on Monument Circle during the month of May, benefitting women in need.
• Stutz Artists Association will present an exhibition called “Look Back the Fast Forward” to be held in the Raymond James Stutz Art Gallery during the month of May. The exhibition will feature historic photos of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race through the years, a collection of contemporary fine art on the subject of auto racing, and children’s photos of speed and motion.
• tmp enterprises, inc d/b/a/Joy’s House will program adult day services that celebrate the Indy 500 throughout the month of May, bringing the celebration to Joy’s House Guests who are no longer able to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in person.

Each organization was awarded a different amount, totaling $50,000.