INDIANAPOLIS – (Dec. 23 2016) Beyond Monumental has made a donation of 4,000 winter hats to local charities that assist those in need. The 2016 finish line gift at the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K for all runners and walkers was a brightly colored commemorative winter hat. The surplus of these hats will now help keep Indianapolis kids warm in the winter months.
Since its inception in 2008, Beyond Monumental has donated more than $825,000 to local non-profits in support of public education. The donation of these hats to charities that support Indianapolis children is a natural complement to their mission of combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency by promoting health, physical fitness and wellness in the Indianapolis community.
Three thousand hats were given to the Assistance League of Indianapolis for Operation School Bell, a program that offers new clothing and athletic shoes to children that live in poverty, helping them arrive at school ready to learn. Since 1984, over 54,000 Indianapolis area students have been provided new clothing through the program, and since 2000, over 36,000 have received new shoes. For the 2016-17 school year Operation School Bell provided 3,400 IPS, Lawrence, Pike, Warren and Washington school children with a duffel bag packed with a winter coat and accessories, two school uniforms, hygiene kit, and two age-appropriate reading books. 2,850 students received new athletic shoes and a 6-pack of socks. Additionally, over 2,500 students will benefit this school year from Beyond the Bell, a program providing new clothing items directly to elementary schools to assist with immediate-need and emergency situations.
“A monumental thank you to Beyond Monumental for their wonderful donation of 3,000 very colorful hats to Assistance League® of Indianapolis,” stated Adele Carr, President, Assistance League of Indianapolis, “We so appreciate that this is the 4th year that Beyond Monumental has supported the children of our community in this way!”
One thousand hats were donated to another not-for-profit supporting Indy’s kids, Teachers’ Treasures. Teachers’ Treasures provides classroom materials for use in public, private and charter K-12 schools, located in Marion County, with 60% or more of the student population on the free or reduced lunch program. Currently, Teachers’ Treasures assists over 250 schools and more than 2,400 teachers. Teachers’ Treasures will distribute the hats to Indy’s kids via their teachers.
“The cold temperatures have certainly elevated the need to make sure kids are warm and these hats will do just that,” said Margaret Sheehan, executive director of Teachers’ Treasures. “Thanks to all in the Beyond Monumental organization for this amazing gift which keeps on giving.”
The 9th annual CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon experienced record numbers and greater success than ever before, due largely in part to support from newly named title sponsor CNO Financial, and presenting sponsors Franciscan Health and Apex Benefits. Registration for the 10th anniversary event set to open on January 1, 2017 with special pricing for those who register early. More information can be found at www.monumentalmarathon.com
