Indianapolis, Oct. 11, 2006 -- Pacers Foundation, Inc. has awarded $200,000 in grants to 36 charities in Indiana with a focus on youth-oriented programs. The amount represents a 25 percent increase compared to last year.

"I believe Pacers Foundation is making a significant impact with carefully selected, diverse group of worthwhile organizations and I am proud that we are reaching every corner of Indiana with our annual grants," said Pacers Foundation Chairperson Cindy Simon Skjodt.

Pathway Family Center received the largest grant at $15,500. St. Mary’s Child Center received $14,850, while Teachers’ Treasure received $12,000. Fathers and Families Resource/Research Center and School on Wheels, Inc. each received $10,000.

"Pacers Foundation has supported Pathway Family Center for years and we appreciate their dedication to improving the quality of life for Indiana youth,” said Pathway Family Center President and CEO Terri Nissley. “With Pacers Foundation's support, we are able to help Indianapolis teens break free of the stronghold that addiction has on them. Teens entering the program are failing in all areas of life. Teens leaving the program are free of drugs and alcohol, have their self-esteem back, are doing well in school, most go on to college and have strong family relationships again. Thank you Pacers Foundation for investing in our kids!"

Grants were awarded to nine organizations outside of Indianapolis. Those recipients are located in Elkhart, Fort Wayne, LaGrange, Muncie, Munster, New Castle, Noblesville and Scottsburg.

Pacers Foundation, Inc. values Indiana's youth; diversity and tolerance; and winning life choices. Our mission is to build collaborative initiatives to encourage Indiana's youth in making winning life choices. In 2006, over $265,000 will be awarded in grants to over 50 youth-serving, non-profit organizations in Indiana, $14,000 in scholarships to six Indiana students and $500,000 in Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever tickets to Indiana non-profit organizations.