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Pacers and Simon foundations donate $250,000 to aid food relief fund

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 22:37 GMT by WISH-TV
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Indiana Pacers and Simon Foundation Partner to Deliver $250,000 to Local Food Relief Effort

In a heart‑warming display of community partnership, the Indiana Pacers and the Simon Foundation have pledged a combined $250,000 to bolster the Food Relief Fund of the region’s primary food bank. The move comes amid ongoing efforts to curb food insecurity across the state, especially as economic challenges and supply chain disruptions continue to strain families. The donation, announced at a press event in Indianapolis on Sunday, will be allocated to purchasing groceries, supporting community kitchens, and expanding the food bank’s outreach programs.

A Two‑Fold Commitment

The Pacers, whose home court is the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, have a long history of engagement with the Indianapolis community. The organization’s Community Outreach Program routinely partners with local charities to provide resources ranging from school supplies to sports equipment. In this latest endeavor, the Pacers committed $150,000 toward the Food Relief Fund’s “Back‑to‑School” and “Summer Hunger” initiatives. These programs specifically target children and families who are at risk of missing meals due to rising living costs and unpredictable employment.

The Simon Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in the Indianapolis area, matched the contribution with a $100,000 donation. The foundation’s mission—supporting education, health, and community resilience—has guided it to invest in projects that create tangible, sustainable improvements. By aligning its grant with the Pacers’ pledge, the foundation is reinforcing a model of public‑private collaboration that can deliver swift relief while building long‑term infrastructure.

The Impact on Food Relief

The Indiana Food Bank (IFB), the largest food‑distribution network in the state, reported that its “Community Impact” program receives roughly $1.5 million annually from corporate partners. The $250,000 infusion will allow the IFB to double its current inventory of fresh produce, dairy, and protein‑rich foods for the coming winter. Additionally, the money will support mobile pantry operations that travel to underserved neighborhoods, ensuring that families who might otherwise have to travel long distances for groceries can access help closer to home.

“We’re thrilled to see the Pacers and the Simon Foundation step up,” said Sarah Kelleher, Executive Director of the Indiana Food Bank. “Every dollar brings us closer to eliminating food deserts in our city and surrounding counties. With this boost, we can expand our volunteer networks, purchase more perishable items that often go to waste, and increase our capacity to serve those in crisis.”

The donation will also help the Food Bank maintain its “Community Kitchen” program, which serves meals to seniors and low‑income families on a daily basis. The program’s kitchen in downtown Indianapolis has been a lifeline for over 500 individuals a month, and the additional funding will enable it to add a second cooking station, thereby doubling its output.

Community Voices

Pacers star guard Malcolm Brogdon, who grew up in nearby Indianapolis, spoke at the launch. “I’ve seen how food insecurity can affect the next generation, even when we’re all doing well on the court,” Brogdon told reporters. “This partnership shows that we can do more than play games—we can help build stronger neighborhoods.”

In addition, a spokesperson for the Simon Foundation highlighted the foundation’s long‑term relationship with the Food Bank. “We’ve supported the Food Bank for over a decade, and this year’s donation is a testament to our belief that collaboration is the most effective way to address hunger,” the spokesperson said. “We’re proud to support the Pacers’ commitment and to see their fans rally around a cause that benefits everyone.”

A Model for Corporate Citizenship

The partnership has drawn attention from other local businesses looking to replicate the model. “It’s inspiring to see an NBA franchise align itself with a well‑established philanthropic foundation and a community organization,” said Mark Thompson, president of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. “This kind of alignment creates a multiplier effect that benefits the entire region.”

The Simon Foundation’s website explains that the organization focuses on three key pillars: Education, Health, and Community. “Our funding strategy emphasizes programs with measurable outcomes,” the foundation’s chief operating officer told the Chamber. “By partnering with an organization like the Pacers, we can leverage broader reach and public engagement.”

Similarly, the Pacers’ official press releases detail the franchise’s “Play 2 Serve” initiative, a campaign that encourages athletes to volunteer with local non‑profits. The new donation is an expansion of that initiative and is expected to inspire other sports teams to adopt similar models.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate impact of the donation is clear, stakeholders are already planning how to sustain the momentum. The Food Bank’s board is negotiating a multi‑year commitment from the Simon Foundation, while the Pacers are exploring ways to embed food relief into its community outreach calendar. Both organizations have pledged to release quarterly updates on how the funds are being used, ensuring transparency and continued public support.

In a time when food insecurity remains a pressing concern, the joint effort by the Indiana Pacers and the Simon Foundation exemplifies a powerful synergy between sports, philanthropy, and community service. The $250,000 donation is more than a financial contribution; it is a promise that the region’s leaders are willing to stand together to nourish both bodies and hearts. As the Food Bank deploys the funds, it will not only fill immediate gaps but also pave the way for more resilient, self‑sustaining food systems—an outcome that benefits all of Indianapolis and its neighboring communities.