5th annual Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala raises more than $1 million for research at IU Simon Cancer Center

IU

INDIANAPOLIS – For the second consecutive year, more than $1 million was raised for cancer research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center during the fifth annual Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala on April 21.Hosted by the Indianapolis Colts and head coach Chuck Pagano at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, the tailgate gala netted $1.1 million through corporate sponsorships and live and silent auctions as well as $100,000 that was given by the Jim Irsay family and $100,000 from the coach and his wife, Tina.
"Blessed to be back for another one, another journey," Coach Pagano, who was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia nearly five years ago, said. "This is such a great event. It's just a group of people who are committed to coming together for a cause to find a cure. We might think we're a long ways away. I don’t think we are. These doctors and researchers who are here and these people who are here supporting don't believe that. We have the opportunity to come together again as a family, as a community, and raise awareness to finding a cure."
The amount also included $15,000 that was raised when guests paid $1,000 for the opportunity to catch a kick from Adam Vinatieri, or "Automatic Adam," while others contributed $1,000 to toss a memorable pass to wide receiver T.Y. Hilton.
An additional $17,500 was generated by an Andrew Luck live auction package that promised the quarterback and avid reader would visit a child's school to read a favorite book.
Luck, Vinatieri, and Hilton were among nearly all of the Colts players, Colts coaching staff, and the Colts cheerleaders who joined more than 500 guests at the event.
Funds from the tailgate gala are used to support cancer research projects at the IU Simon Cancer Center that translate laboratory discoveries into improved treatment options for patients. Research leads to advancements to find better ways ...

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