100th Running Host Committee encourages Hoosiers statewide to celebrate the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 with personalized events in local communities

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Last Updated on April 23, 2016 by cassnetwork

500festival_100thrunningINDIANAPOLIS – Hoosiers are invited to host their own celebrations in honor of the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. The Residential Engagement Committee, a sub-committee of the 100th Running Host Committee, is asking individuals across all 92 Indiana counties to host Porch Parties as a way to foster civic pride and engagement in Indiana’s signature event.

Porch Parties, made popular in Indianapolis by the Harrison Center for the Arts, are simple gatherings that bring families, friends, neighborhoods and communities together. The Porch Party model (perfect for backyard cookouts and front yard gatherings) allows Hoosiers to move the racing excitement into local communities with personalized traditions and festivities.

“This Month of May marks an opportunity to not only celebrate the 100th Running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, but also to share our collective pride as a state that created, coined, and mastered Hoosier Hospitality,” said John Green, Honorary Co-Chair of the 100th Running Host Committee. “Porch Parties are another great example of Hoosiers’ unmatched hospitality, so we invite everyone to host their own festivities in their own unique way, with a goal of reaching 100,000 Porch Party goers.”

To take part in the 100th Running celebration, interested hosts are encouraged to register their Porch Party at http://porchpartyindy.eventbrite.com or http://www.500festival.com/PorchParty. Porch Parties registered and planned between April 29 – May 29 may receive surprise drop-in appearances from IndyCar drivers, local TV personalities and national celebrities. Porch Party drop-ins may also provide hosts with a chance to ride in an IndyCar two-seater or pace car, as well as tickets to various Indianapolis Motor Speedway events.

Porch Party décor including 100th Running flags and banners is available for purchase at http://shop.ims.com/front-porch/. A percentage of the proceeds will be given to Snowball Express, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to military families who have lost a loved one.

For Hoosiers looking to attend a larger celebration, the Residential Engagement Committee will host two Porch Parties, free and open to the public. The Harrison Center for the Arts will boast food trucks, live music, vintage race cars and original works of Indianapolis artists on May 6 from 6-10 p.m. The town of Speedway will be home to a Porch Party on May 13 from 5-11 p.m., in conjunction with the Festival on Main. Event proceeds will benefit Indy Family Fund.

To learn more about these events, visit 500Festival.com/100thRunning.

Communities are encouraged to continue local gatherings and celebrations after the month of May. The Harrison Center for the Arts will host a day of Porch Parties on July 10 to sustain community engagement and civic pride during the year of the Bicentennial.

The 100th Running Host Committee is part of the 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering a positive impact throughout the Hoosier state, working in tandem with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame museum. The Host Committee includes 12 full volunteer committees and 40 sub-committees with hundreds of enthusiastic community volunteers. These individuals are charged with working together to celebrate and leverage the 100th Running by enhancing the quality of life for all Hoosiers, elevating the image of the State of Indiana, heightening civic pride, creating cultural connection, enabling social impact and stimulating education.

For more information on the host committee and a list of upcoming events, go to: www.500Festival.com/100thRunning or search #100RunningHC on social media.

The 100th Running Host Committee is made possible through generous contributions from Indiana businesses and foundations. Current donors include: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield; Bill Estes Automotive; BKD, LLP; Browning; Centaur Gaming; CNO Financial Group; CSO Architects, Inc.; Duke Realty; Eli Lilly and Company; Emmis Communications; F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company; Fastrac Solutions Inc.; Hulman & Company Foundation, Inc.; IGT Indiana; iHeartMedia; Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Indiana Chemical Trust; Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever; Indiana University Health; Indianapolis Colts; Indianapolis Power & Light Company; JPMorgan Chase; JW Marriott Indianapolis; KAR Auction Services; Kathy and Al Hubbard; Kite Realty Group; LDI, Ltd. / Lacy Foundation; Lucas Oil Products; MacAllister Machinery Co.; Monarch Beverage, Inc.; PNC Bank, N.A.; Salesforce; Sport Graphics; St. Elmo Steak House / Harry & Izzy’s; St. Vincent; The Heritage Group; The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF Affiliate; Vectren Corporation; Venture Logistics; Visit Indy and Zink Distributing Company.

About 2016

2016 is a once-in-a-generation year for Hoosiers. Along with the 100th Running of the Indy 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, the State will celebrate its bicentennial, the 60th IPL 500 Festival Parade and the 40th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Hoosiers and racing fans will also mark 50 years of Team Penske in racing.

About the 500 Festival

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $350 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.

SOURCE: News release from 500 Festival

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