Inside INdiana Business is reporting the Indianapolis Indians have finished their fiscal year with another franchise record for charitable giving. Combining in-kind contributions and monetary donation, over $560,000 was given by the team to community organizations, which is the first time in team history that contributions exceeded a half-million dollars.
“We’re thrilled to continue building on the impact our franchise has had on Indianapolis for more than 100 years,” said Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “We’re working with the community in several different ways, from field rehabilitations to outreach programs to charitable fundraisers, but they all make an impact for our partners. We thank our fans and sponsors who support us on the diamond and in the community.”
Over $260,000 of the contributions were in-kind donated merchandise, tickets and appearances by mascot “Rowdie”. Monetary donations, and Victory Field fundraising during games made up the other approximate $293,000. Indians players also visited over 40 organizations and front office staff volunteered for 44 more organizations.
Fans also contributed after the team auctioned off specialty jerseys with differing themes, including MARVEL and Pittsburgh Pirates-influenced jerseys. Those auctions increased the total donations for the season to nearly $50,000, another Indians franchise record.