The Hummingbird Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by former second lady of the United States Karen Pence, announced on Dec. 4 the first three organizations to be honored for their work to help our nation’s heroes who live in Indiana.
The Foundation will award Indy Honor Flight, INvets, and the Indy Warrior Partnership at the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation’s first fundraising luncheon in March 2025, and by purchasing a ticket to the luncheon, Hoosiers can show their support for these worthy causes.
“Our nation’s Veterans, especially those who live in our great state, deserve to be honored every day,” Foundation Founder Karen Pence said. “We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the recognition we want to give to charities in Indiana than to show support to these organizations that do tremendous work to help our Veterans – the Indy Honor Flight, INvets, and the Indy Warrior Partnership. These groups are making a significant difference in the lives of so many men and women who have made countless sacrifices for our country, and we believe shining a spotlight on these organizations is the least we can do. The Foundation hopes that this effort brings more attention to the resources and services available to our Veterans in Indiana, and inspires Hoosiers to show their support, too.”
Indy Honor Flight is a nonprofit that transports World War II, Korea, and Vietnam wartime Veterans to see the memorials built in their honor in Washington, D.C. at no cost to them. So far, they’ve flown over 3,700 Veterans. The money they receive from the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation’s fundraising efforts will be used to fly Veterans to Washington, D.C. Currently, approximately 800 Veterans are on the waiting list.
“Indy Honor Flight is incredibly grateful to be included in the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation’s fundraising event,” Indy Honor Flight Chairman Dale True said. “It’s through the support of caring organizations like this that our efforts to honor our Hoosier heroes are possible. Many thanks from us to all involved in this terrific undertaking.”
INvets forms partnerships with veterans, their families, and Indiana communities to facilitate a meaningful transition to civilian life while strengthening Indiana’s economy. The organization works with over 600 companies in Indiana to help place skilled, high-quality talent in their backyard, and they continue to support Veterans as they adjust to civilian life and build a thriving career in the Hoosier State. INvets has placed over 1,200 Veterans and family members in Indiana since its inception, with 491 new residents this past fiscal year.
“INvets is deeply honored and greatly appreciative to the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation for this generous opportunity,” INvets President & CEO Sarah Harrison said. “We’re delighted to partner with them for this inaugural event and look forward to a great partnership that highlights our Veterans finding meaningful careers and new families calling Indiana their home. INvets ensures our transitioning military, and their families thrive in civilian life and thank you to Hummingbird Charitable Foundation for coming alongside us to continue this great mission.”
Indy Warrior Partnership (IWP) is a branch of America’s Warrior Partnership with the mission to empower Veterans. IWP is a Veteran-focused, community-led initiative to proactively connect with all Veterans and ensure access to quality resources and opportunities available in collaboration with existing local services. The program aims to cultivate an integrated, resilient, and hopeful Veteran community across central Indiana by improving Veteran quality of life, thus lowering Veteran suicide. To date, IWP has supported 766 Veterans, 66 family members, and 19 caregivers coordinating access to services related to benefits, housing, employment, and healthcare.
“We are honored to be chosen as a 2025 partner of the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation,” Indy Warrior Partnership Lead Aaron Bacon said. “Our similar missions of empowering Indiana residents connect us and allow us to carry their mission specifically to the Indiana Veteran community. We are excited to reach and serve even more Veterans in 2025 with their support and partnership.”
These three organizations will be honored at the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation’s inaugural fundraising luncheon on March 27, 2025, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Companies and individuals can show their support for these wonderful organizations by purchasing a ticket to the luncheon at HummingbirdCharitableFoundation.org.
About Hummingbird Charitable Foundation
The Hummingbird Charitable Foundation, a pending 501(c)(3), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting charitable causes and organizations that make a significant difference in Indiana. Established in 2024, the Foundation is committed to its mission to enrich the lives of Hoosiers by financially supporting select charities and maximizing their impact as they serve communities across the state of Indiana.