Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Indiana aims to recruit 500 volunteers by Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS — As the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 approaches, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Indiana organization aims to recruit 500 Bigs by race day.

According to a news release, the volunteer campaign from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Indiana was announced on Wednesday.

From Wednesday through May 25, the day of the race, the organizations will work together to “share the need and urgency for more mentors” in Central Indiana. More than 1,200 young people are currently waiting for a mentor, the release said.

“There is no city that rallies around their community like Indianapolis, and we are so grateful to IMS for collaborating with us again to give back to our community,” Darcey Palmer-Shultz, the chief executive officer of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Indiana, said in the release. “Mentorship is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to change the trajectory of a kid’s life. With so many young people asking for another supportive person in their corner, we know that Central Indiana will show up to make sure that every child feels seen, appreciated and valued.”

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Indiana have served the region for 50+ years. The release said that the organization uses evidence-based mentoring experiences to “show that mentorship is good for young people, good for the economy and good for society.”

“IMS is excited to partner with BBBSCI yet again to connect more kids with impactful mentors,” Penske Entertainment Senior Vice President Allison Melangton said in the release. “We understand the importance of connection within our community, and we hope to bring more people together through both racing and mentorship this season.”

For more information, and to learn about the campaign, click here.