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INDIANAPOLIS – In Indy, fall signals the start of both football and philanthropic seasons. So why not a BIG KICKOFF to celebrate both?
The Indianapolis Colts and United Way of Central Indiana invite Central Indiana fans to a combined kickoff on Friday, September 7, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Monument Circle in Indianapolis.
The free event will feature musical entertainment by Dave and Rae, opportunities to find out about volunteering at United Way and its agencies, free COLTSTRONG wristbands and Limited Edition Colts Kickoff posters, autographs from Colts Alumni Tarik Glenn and Hunter Smith, a visit from Colts Cheerleaders and Blue, as well as a chance to win prizes and raise money for United Way by kicking field goals with Huntington Bank's BIG KICKOFF Challenge.
At the BIG KICKOFF, United Way will announce its 2012 fundraising goal, celebrate results of early (Pacesetters) campaigns and recognize the companies that recruited the most ReadUP tutors.
Over the lunch hour, fans can buy $5 box lunches from Applebee's, meet Colts Cheerleaders and see the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
This is the third year for the combined kickoff event, and organizers say it usually attracts up to 2,000 people during the lunch hour.
"It's really been a hit with the community," said Ellen K. Annala, United Way's president and chief executive officer. "People seem to love cheering on their home teams for both football and giving. And we love the special spark it adds to the LIVE UNITED movement."
For more information about The BIG KICKOFF event, visit**www.colts.com/kickoff**.
In addition to the kickoff event, and as a part of their ongoing support for United Way, the Colts will also make a donation to United Way for every ticket purchased through United Way of Central Indiana to the home opener versus the Vikings on September 16, the Colts vs. Jaguars game on September 23 or the Colts vs. Browns game on October 21. Visit UWCI.org for details.
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