United Way of Central Indiana to Host ELEVATE Under the Big Top
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, United Way of Central Indiana unveiled a vintage circus theme for the 2nd annual ELEVATE, an event designed to engage and recognize young professionals who care about our community’s social issues while raising awareness of generational poverty. ELEVATE, presented by GEICO, will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the Crane Bay Event Center in downtown Indianapolis and will include circus-style food, fun and entertainment. Last year’s ELEVATE event raised more than $63,000 that supported United Way’s Basic Needs Fund, one of three impact initiatives launched earlier this year that aims to provide essentials such as housing, transportation, food, and healthcare to struggling populations in Central Indiana. Funds generated from ELEVATE 2020 will help more individuals and families maintain safe and affordable housing access and retention services to thousands of individuals in United Way’s six-county region. Tens of thousands of low-income individuals spend more than 50 percent of their earnings on housing, putting them at risk of eviction and falling deeper into poverty. “Hoosiers do best when we wrap our arms around one another,” said Lauren Petersen, ELEVATE 2019 Board Member of the Year award winner representing Partners in Housing and member of United Way of Central Indiana’s Board of Directors. “ELEVATE provides an intentional, collaborative, and high-energy platform to celebrate and honor our community's rising philanthropists and dedicated volunteers.” ELEVATE’s volunteer Host Committee works diligently throughout the year to bring thought leaders across Central Indiana together to strategize and execute on the event’s theme, goals, and activities for the second running of the young professional’s gala. “This committee provides a unique opportunity to work alongside the multitude of Indianapolis young professionals of many different backgrounds,” said Jamie Jansen, ELEVATE Host Committee Chair and marketing operations manager for OneAmerica. “A lot of time, talent and effort goes into this memorable event for 500 young professionals in Indianapolis to raise awareness, funds, and measurable impact that will strengthen struggling families in Central Indiana.” ELEVATE tickets are on sale starting at $50 per person through Dec. 31, 2019 and can be purchased at uwci.org/elevate. Ticket prices will increase beginning Jan. 1, 2020. More details, including this year’s official award categories and nomination information, will follow in the coming weeks. To learn more or become a sponsor for ELEVATE, visit the official website or follow United Way of Central Indiana on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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About United Way of Central Indiana: United Way is a community of donors, advocates, volunteers, and partners who fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way invites all members of our community to LIVE UNITED by giving, advocating and volunteering to improve lives in Central Indiana. Visit uwci.org to learn more.
About GEICO, Title Sponsor for ELEVATE: GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S., was founded in 1936 and insures more than 28 million vehicles. Homeowners, renters, condo, flood, identity theft and life coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto and personal umbrella coverages are also available. Visit www.geico.com for a quote or to learn more.GEICO, a proud corporate partner of United Way, was selected as this year’s winner of the Exceptional Employer Award at the 2019 TechPoint Mira Awards for its commitment to hiring and developing talent, cultivating workspaces and workplace culture, and deliberately increasing diversity.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jennifer Hashem | Public Relations Manageroffice: 317-921-1313 | cell: 563-271-4385jennifer.hashem@uwci.org