Event to benefit GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis
Just days before they are set to throw their cars into high gear, drivers for Andretti Autosport will be throwing their weight behind corn hole bags. They are participating with the George4 Foundation to raise money for GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis, a local achievement center that provides free educational and therapeutic programs to people with Down syndrome.
Steinbrenner
“GiGi’s is an organization that is near and dear to myself and my family,” said George Steinbrenner IV, co-owner of James Hinchcliffe’s Number 29 car with Andretti Autosport. “My youngest brother has Down syndrome and our family has done a lot of work with the GiGi’s Playhouse in Tampa. We look forward to expanding that work into Indianapolis.”
Dubbed the Cornament of Champions, the fundraiser will pair Indianapolis sports celebrities with USA Cornhole National Team members and American Cornhole League (ACL) professionals. The pairings will pit Steinbrenner and corn hole player Matt Guy against Indy Car driver James Hinchliffe and ACL pro Frank Modlin. 2016 Indianapolis 500 Champion Alexander Rossi will be paired with ACL player Allison Peters and Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore Jr. will team up with ACL pro Christine Papcke. The event will be hosted by comedians Shaun Latham and Todd McComas and live streamed on the NBC Sports app and ACL streaming networks.
Daredevil Brewing in Speedway will host the Cornament of Champions from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 27. Live music will be provided by country singer and native Hoosier Clayton Anderson. The public is invited to vote for their favorite team and partake in a silent auction of IndyCar and New York Yankees autographed memorabilia at Cornament2021.Givesmart.com.
The goal is to raise $60,000 to purchase a new 12-passenger van for GiGi’s EPIC Program.
Jensen
“Our EPIC program – which stands for Empowering Participants to get Involved in the Community – provides opportunities for socialization and community involvement for adults with Down syndrome,” Executive Director Denisse Jensen said. “The van will help boost confidence and encourage independence among our participants by allowing them to travel to vocational and volunteer opportunities.”
The Cornament of Champions is co-sponsored by American Cornhole League, the Indianapolis Colts, Daredevil Brewing, and CarSnoop.
About GiGi’s Playhouse
Serving children and adults of all ages, GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis provides educational and therapeutic programs at no charge to families in a format in which individuals with Down syndrome learn best. Cost will never deter families from participation or impede the achievement of GiGi’s children and adults. In helping individuals with Down syndrome achieve their Best of All, GiGi’s also advances its larger vision of global acceptance for people of all abilities. All programs aim to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential. GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Learn more at gigisplayhouse.org/indianapolis.
About George4 Foundation
The Steinbrenner Family understands the importance of giving back to their community and lending support to individuals and organizations working to make the world a better place. Working with children and individuals with special needs has always been a primary focus for George Steinbrenner IV and his sister Julia. These will be primary focuses for the George4 Foundation as it expands its philanthropic efforts within Indianapolis, NTT INDYCAR Series race markets, and beyond.