Indianapolis – For the 11th year, the Indianapolis Colts and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will celebrate "Anthem Angels…Honoring Everyday Heroes," Hoosier public and civil servants who have made community contributions beyond the call of duty, but may have received little public recognition.
One "Anthem Angel" is selected and notified prior to each Colts regular season home game. Each "Angel" receives four VIP tickets, a feature story and photo in the Colts gameday magazine (The Scout) and on Colts.com, and special on-field recognition at a home game.
The sixth "Anthem Angel" of 2018 is Bobby Schlageter of Fishers, Ind.
Schlageter, a firefighter with the Fishers Fire Department, has been instrumental in transitioning the Fishers Fire Foundation into providing need-based financial aid and a scholarship program for firefighters.
Prior to this transition, the Fishers department was volunteer based and relied heavily on the foundation to purchase necessary gear and equipment. As the town grew into a city and the fire department received additional funding, the foundation reallocated the funds to assist firefighters who are in need of some financial relief.
Schlageter also helps organize many fundraisers for the foundation. Last year, under his leadership, the foundation was able to raise enough money to set up a scholarship fund for firefighter's kin who plan to attend college. He also finds time to volunteer for FA Indy, a group that raises funds and awareness for Friedrichs Ataxia disease.
The Colts will accept online nominations for future "Angels" at Colts.com/AnthemAngels through December 10. Nominees should be employed in human service-related professions, from first responders to educators and social workers. Nominations must include a brief essay about the nominee, sharing their story about the actions that have made him or her a hero.
