The 500 Festival Virtual Volunteer Program, presented by Citizens Energy Group, offers inclusive and diverse virtual opportunities to positively impact the community

 

INDIANAPOLIS (April 1, 2021) - The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500®, today launches registration for the 2021 500 Festival Virtual Volunteer Program, presented by Citizens Energy Group.  

 

Earlier this week, the 500 Festival announced new details and updates on the remainder of upcoming events. This year, the Virtual Volunteer Program will provide past, current, and future volunteers with unique opportunities to support and further the 500 Festival’s newly reimagined events. 

 

“In a traditional year, the 500 Festival relies on 3,500 volunteers to fill 7,000 positions to ensure our events and programs continue to deliver a lasting impact for the community and attendees,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “The 500 Festival is grateful for the continued devotion and enthusiasm for our community demonstrated by our volunteers each and every year. We are thrilled that our cherished, dedicated group of volunteers will continue to have the opportunity to contribute their time throughout the community in a safe and impactful way.” 

 

The 500 Festival is looking for individuals and groups who are interested in using their time to support its wide variety of programs and events in 2021. The 500 Festival Virtual Volunteer Program, presented by Citizens Energy Group, offers new areas of volunteer opportunities this year, providing innovative and virtual roles to fit the newly modified events. Opportunities include cheering and supporting the OneAmerica 500 Festival Virtual Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival Virtual 5K participants, connecting local businesses for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Virtual Expo experience, sending letters to Indiana fourth grade classrooms who are learning about the history of the Indy 500, and writing notes of encouragement to 500 Festival KidsFit Program students who are working towards running or walking 13.1 miles. 

 

“Citizens Energy Group is proud to sponsor the 500 Festival Virtual Volunteer Program,” said Mike Strohl, senior vice-president and chief customer officer at Citizens Energy Group. “The 500 Festival volunteers always create such an uplifting, encouraging atmosphere and have become an integral piece to furthering the 500 Festival’s mission to foster a positive community impact through these continued opportunities. We are thrilled that the inclusive volunteer opportunities complement the newly reimagined 500 Festival events and programs this year.” 

 

“The Volunteer Program is an excellent opportunity to share a significant part of Indiana history with our youngest fans.” - Education Program Volunteer 

 

Visit 500Festival.com/volunteer to learn more, view a list of opportunities, and register to volunteer in 2021. Additional questions regarding volunteer opportunities with the 500 Festival may be directed to volunteer@500festival.com. See how others give back to the 500 Festival on social media with #500Volunteers. 

 

The 500 Festival Volunteer Program is presented by Citizens Energy Group, with additional support from HotBox Pizza and Aqua Systems. 

 

About the 500 Festival 

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500® and foster positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $500 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit 500festival.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

 

 About Citizens Energy Group  

Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 800,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities only for the benefit of customers and the community. Additional information is available online at Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - YouTube 

 

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Media Contact: Helen Khamis, 500 Festival   

317.914.4817 | hkhamis@500festival.com