INDIANAPOLIS (October 20, 2020) The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announces the hiring of Christine Swarm as executive director of the 500 Festival Foundation. The 500 Festival Foundation, a fully-charitable 501(c)3 organization dedicated to ensuring relevance, reach, and sustainability of the 500 Festival’s mission, was launched in 1996.

Christine is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science, as well as a Master of Social Work. Previously, Christine served as director of development at the local affiliate of Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana where her duties included directing all statewide fundraising activities and managing the Indiana development team. Christine is a current member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, serving as an Indiana chapter board member.

In her role as executive director of the 500 Festival Foundation, Christine’s main initiatives will center on development planning & implementation, donor relations, major gifts, annual giving, fundraising, Foundation-specific events, coordination of an impending capital campaign, marketing & promoting the Foundation, coordinating activities with the 500 Festival and collaborating with 500 Festival staff.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Christine to the 500 Festival team,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO, 500 Festival. “Christine has demonstrated a genuine interest in moving the Foundation forward as a long term and sustainable funding source for the 500 Festival’s mission-based programs and events.”

About the 500 Festival Foundation

The 500 Festival Foundation was established in 1996 and is fully-charitable 501(c)3 organization. The 500 Festival Foundation is comprised of civic and business leaders committed to supporting the 500 Festival’s mission to enrich lives and have a positive community impact while celebrating the Indy 500. The Foundation has a specific interest in the advancement of the 500 Festival’s youth initiatives. From college scholarships for Indiana’s brightest college leaders to a free youth program to combat Indiana’s childhood obesity- the 500 Festival’s Foundation’s investments help enhance the education of Indiana’s youth and provide a calendar of community activities that invite the participation of all Hoosiers and showcase Indianapolis on a global stage. To learn more about the 500 Festival’s Foundation, please visit https://www.500festival.com/foundation/.

About the 500 Festival

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana.. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $400 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.

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Media Contact: Sabrina List, 500 Festival
317.614.6141 ǀ slist@500festival.com