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INDY 500: CARA Charities is 'Back Home Again in Indiana' for gala event

4 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
INDIANAPOLIS- CARA Charities will host "Back Home Again in Indiana" on May 26, 2000, a luncheon and fashion gala benefiting local and national children's causes. Sponsored by Jacobson's and Conseco and held in the Westin Hotel Grand Ballroom, the event will open at 11 a.m. with a social hour, followed by a noon luncheon and then the fashion show itself. Celebrity and Indiana favorite, Jim Nabors will act as Honorary Chair and be joined by event hosts, ESPN/ABC Sports analyst, Bob Jenkins, and former CARA Charities president, Beth Daly.

"For over ten years now, participating in this event has become a tradition for Jacobson's and a way to support deserving charities," said Beverly Rice, Senior Vice President of Fashion and Merchandising Strategy. "It's an important event for the city of Indianapolis, and we are proud to be a part of it."

The afternoon will culminate with a runway fashion presentation featuring "The Best of Jacobson's" modeled by the drivers, their families and local dignitaries. Similar to previous years, the list of expected drivers to attend is vast and includes two former Indy 500 Champions, Al Unser, Jr. and Eddie Cheever, Jr. Other drivers and families attending include Lyn St. James, Scott Goodyear, Greg Ray, Billy Boat, Tyce Carlson, Eliseo Salazar, Robby McGehee, Sarah Fisher, Jeff Ward, Donnie Beechler, Jacques Lazier, Sam Hornish, Jeret Schroeder, and Stephan Gregoire.

In an effort to fully embrace this year's theme, Event Chair, Joan Voyles made certain that the celebrities of today would be joined by many of those who had brought so much to the city and state in the past. The list of attending local and national dignitaries includes The Hulman George Family, Johnny and Betty Rutherford, Rodger Ward, Mr & Mrs. Jim Harbaugh and many more.

"The theme of "Back Home Again in Indiana" combines our efforts with that of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the 500 Festival," explained Voyles. "We thank Jacobson's, Conseco, everyone who has supported this event throughout its nineteen years, in helping CARA Charities raise money for our local and national communities."

Attendees of the show will have lots of pre-show shopping opportunities as well as first dibs on the much sought after CARA Charities Christmas Ornament which was designed this year by four-time Indy 500 Champion and Indy Racing team owner, A.J. Foyt. Proceeds from the sales of the ornament goes to benefit the CARA Shirley Bettenhausen Children's Fund. Additionally, Jacobson's will open a temporary boutique outside the ballroom to showcase unique race-orientated accessories and gift items.

As an added attraction, this year's Fashion Show will include an in-store appearance at the Keystone Crossing store. On Monday, May 22nd, from 1pm to 3pm, Indy Racing Northern Lights Series rookie, Sarah Fisher will be on hand to sign autographs for fans of racing as well as fashion.

Since its inception in 1981, CARA Charities' (Championship Auto Racing Auxiliary) mission has been to serve the community through charitable works and to promote the friendship of all of those involved in the motor sports family. During the past 19 years, CARA Charities has donated over $3 million to numerous charities including the CARA Charities Children's Fund at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis whose focus is to provide a toy for each child admitted to hospital. Other special projects benefiting from CARA Charities efforts include the national "Buckle Up Baby" program, The CARA Benevolent Fund, IRL Ministries, CART Ministries, the CDA Benevolent Fund, Miami Project Motorsports, and the Rich Vogler Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are still available for the May 26th event with individual tickets priced at $60 per person. For more Information on tickets, Corporate Tables or Event Sponsorships, call the CARA Charities office at 317-299-2277 or visit their website at www.caraux.org.

Text provided by Krista Elliott Riley

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.