Pacers Foundation Awards Grants Totaling $82,500

INDIANAPOLIS – At its most recent quarterly meeting, the Pacers Foundation board of directors awarded $82,500 in grants to 17 youth-serving organizations throughout the state of Indiana.

The grants included an award of $25,000 as the first of a three-year, $75,000 commitment to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (MYO).

The MYO serves approximately 250 youth from IPS schools and Center Township and emphasizes life skills, character development and pursuit of post-secondary education while the children also learn to play and perform.

“The board was impressed by the MYO’s mission of using the arts and music as platforms for the youth to acquire a broader set of skills that can help lead them to productive lives as adults,” said Pacers Foundation Board Chairperson Rick Fuson.

“The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is so grateful for the generosity of our supportive partners at the Pacers Foundation, said ISO CEO James M. Johnson. “Young people growing up with a strong foundation in musicianship build lifelong skills in teamwork, problem solving, and creative thinking – not unlike student athletes. This gift will ensure the mission of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra continues to impact the youth and families of Indianapolis in positive ways.”

The Pacers Foundation also continued its statewide outreach by awarding grants to organizations in Fort Wayne, Kokomo, Columbus, Bloomington, Connersville and Martinsville in addition to Indianapolis.