Colts legend Peyton Manning back in Indy honoring a part of his legacy bigger than football
Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning was back in the city of Indianapolis for a special reason to honor the end of an era.
Peyton Manning will always be treated as royalty in the state of Indiana and even more so in the city of Indianapolis.
Manning led the charge to make a state known for its unconditional love of basketball open its minds and hearts to the game of football. The Colts’ popularity reached an all-time high during Manning’s glory years in Indianapolis, which brought the franchise their first Super Bowl in 2007 since moving from Baltimore.
So anytime he returns to the state to support the Colts, it catches the attention of all Indy sports fans. He returned to his old stomping grounds on Thursday, but the reason was for something bigger than football.
Peyton Manning was back in Indy on Thursday for an event supporting Peyton Manning Childrens Hospital
The 18th Celebration of Caring Gala took place on Thursday. This event is hosted by Peyton and his wife, Ashley Manning, and has been operating since 2008, raising $25 million over the years.
The gala brings together many stars, most of whom are connected to the state of Indiana in one way or another. The goal is to raise funds for Peyton Manning’s Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
This year’s gala marked the conclusion of a nearly two-decade-long tradition. It feels fitting that this era ends after 18 years, the same number that will forever be associated with Peyton, given that it was his jersey number in the NFL.
Manning took the opportunity to address the media in attendance, sharing heartfelt comments about the gala’s 18 year run. Here’s what he had to say:
“The community support, it’s just been off the charts. A lot of the same people have been here all 18 years. We’ve had new supporters throughout the years but it’s just been a great display of what Indianapolis is about — supporting their own — and the real beneficiaries are obviously the patients and their families.
You know AC (Anthony Calhoun of Wish TV) I don’t compete on the field anymore, but I find myself competing — or trying to raise more money for this hospital to give every doctor and nurse the resources they need to help our patients and their families but the programs we’ve been able to provide through money raised, right? After tonight we’re gonna be close to 25 million dollars in 18 years. We built housing, expanded program, we’ve had just crucial pieces of equipment. So it’s been an incredible run these past 18 years.” – Former Colts QB Peyton Manning
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