Fundraising campaign goes public

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The 500 Festival Foundation is taking its Fueling the Community fundraising campaign to the public. The campaign, which started in 2021 with an internal drive, was announced May 3 at the 500 Festival Kickoff to May event.

500 Festival

“Once we launched our efforts internally, we began our fundraising process by working with those who have been most engaged and invested in the 500 Festival throughout our 65-year history,” 500 Festival Foundation Executive Director Christine Swarm said. “Our Festival community responded with such enthusiasm and generosity, we felt it was time to put out our outreach efforts more broadly. The 500 Festival is driven by our community already, so we’re extremely optimistic about their response of moving us forward.”

The campaign raised $3.4 million from donations from previous supporters. The goal now is to bring that total to $5 million.

Carmel resident Nadine Givens, who has served on the 500 Festival board and 500 Festival Foundation in various capacities since 2004, said for more than 25 years the 500 Festival’s free education, fitness, and leadership development programs and initiatives have impacted the lives of 100,000 Indiana youth and families each year.

“In response to the growing community need for these programs, the 500 Festival is determined to raise the dollars needed to continue the traditions and enhance the programming,” said Givens, a PNC Private Bank senior vice president and Indiana market director. “As our vibrant city grows, so do the numbers of children and adults of all ages who want to participate in the events and programs the 500 Festival offers. It is our goal to meet that ever growing demand. It is important, for we have demonstrated we have an impact towards ensuring Indiana a great place to live and thrive.”

CURRENT Q&A

Getting to know

Dana Altemeyer

Dana Altemeyer has been the director of communications in the MSD of Lawrence Township for the past nine years.

Q: What is your best habit, and what is your worst?

A: Multitasking.

Q: Do you have a hidden talent?

A: Remembering song lyrics

Q: What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

A: Spend time outdoors

Q: Is there a book that you recommend to everyone?

A: “The Mitford Series,” by Jan Karon

Q: Is there a businessperson you admire? Why?

A: MSD of Lawrence Township Supt. Dr. Shawn A. Smith. He leads by example and inspires others to rise to meet him.

Q: Do you have a favorite podcast?

A: Not a huge podcast listener, but I enjoyed NPR’s “Schooled” and WFYI’s “Sick.”

Q: What is your biggest indulgence?

A: Cheesecake Factory Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake.

Q: How do you exercise?

A: Peloton

OBITUARY

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023, to memorialize Sydney Jeanne Book, known by everyone as Jeanne Book. She passed away peacefully at age 91 on February 17, 2023. She was born May 13, 1931, in Champaign, IL, to the late Sidney and Dorothy (Deacon) Ewald. The celebration will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Bridgewater Club, 3535 E. 161st St., Carmel, IN.

Keep Your Indy Mini Momentum Going and Join the Race Across the Reservoir! @geisthalfmarathon September 16, 2023 REGISTER @ GeistHalf.com