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Larry Bird to be Honored with Special Performance from Musical Guest, Sawyer Brown

October 25 Masquerade at Bankers Life Fieldhouse to benefit Simon Youth Foundation and Pacers Foundation

INDIANAPOLIS, September 22, 2014 - Indiana Pacers president and basketball legend Larry Bird will be honored at The Masquerade at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, October 25th, a celebration which will feature the outstanding musical group Sawyer Brown.

The 13th annual Masquerade, a premier date on the city’s fall social scene, is the signature fundraising event of Simon Youth Foundation and Pacers Foundation and has raised nearly $8.5 million for the two organizations. Previous honorees include Donnie Walsh, Clark Kellogg, Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard, Reggie Miller, Melvin and Herb Simon, the Hulman-George family, Jeff Smulyan, Frank Hancock, Steve Stitle, Rick Fuson, Tamika Catchings of the world-champion Indiana Fever, and Deborah Simon and Cindy Simon Skjodt.

Bird, former college player of the year at Indiana State University, three-time NBA most valuable player, three-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, 2000 NBA Coach of the Year and 2012 NBA Executive of the Year with the Pacers, also will be recognized for his many behind-the-scenes charitable endeavors, especially those impacting youth.

Sawyer Brown, a popular American country music band since 1981, continues to make powerhouse music. “Travelin’ Band”, their new CD, proves the wheels are still turning: they have played over 4,000 shows and logged mileage well into seven figures over the past 30 years. The band has won numerous awards from various Country Music associations, including six years as “Vocal Group of the Year” and three years as “Video Group of the Year.”

Masquerade acknowledges the generous support of PNC Bank as it returns as the event’s title sponsor. Other major sponsors include: Melvin Simon & Associates, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Simon Property Group, Donald P. Pipino Company, Fifth Third Bank, FSN Indiana, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Colts, Optimedia, St. Vincent Health & Hospitals, and Sport Graphics. The evening begins with a reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by the dinner and tribute starting at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, please contact Brandi Young at (317) 263-7694 or byoung@simon.com

About Simon Youth Foundation
Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit, exists to help at-risk students who are on the verge of dropping out of high school stay in school. Through 23 Simon Youth Academies in 13 states and Simon Youth Scholarships, SYF advocates, creates and initiates educational opportunities for students so they can start here and go anywhere. In partnership with local public schools, SYF has maintained a 90% graduation rate at its Academies since inception, graduated more than 11,000 students, and awarded more than $11 million in scholarships. Learn more at www.syf.org.

About Pacers Foundation
Pacers Foundation encourages Indiana's youth to make winning life choices through contributions and community partnerships. For more information, visit www.pacersfoundation.org.