Pacers host 14th Annual "Come to our House" Meal

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 21, 2011) – The Indiana Pacers and Pacers Foundation continued a holiday tradition when they welcomed more than 600 men, women and children from Indianapolis area missions and shelters to Conseco Fieldhouse for the 14th annual “Come To Our House” Thanksgiving meal presented by US Foods. The dinner was part of Pacers Cares, and served as the tipoff to the Pacers “Season of Giving”.

The meal, prepared by Levy Restaurants, was held in the Indiana University Health Entry Pavilion of Conseco Fieldhouse from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pacers employees, President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird, Pacers Head Coach Frank Vogel, Assistant Coaches Dan Burke and Jim Boylen, Boomer, Freddy Fever, Indiana Fever All-Star Tamika Catchings, Fever Assistant Coach Stephanie White and the Pacemates, along with many media celebrities from local radio, TV and newspapers will served the meal, mingled with guests and filled goody bags. Other special guests that attend were Pacers Radio voice Mark Boyle, TV announcers Chris Denari and Quinn Buckner, and former Pacers players Austin Croshere, Darnell Hillman, Rik Smits, Jerry Harkness, Bill Newton and Billy Keller. Additionally, representatives of numerous sponsors of Pacers Sports & Entertainment were also be on hand to help serve.

Everyone in attendance received a Pacers tote bag, along with the following items: hat, pair of gloves, pair of socks, scarf and Hardee’s Thickburger coupon. IU Health also offered free health screenings and had its “Garden on the Go” on site to promote healthy eating.

Event sponsors included US Foods, Levy, Finish Line, Indiana Fever Head Coach Lin Dunn, Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings, IU Health and Hardee’s. Centers and missions invited were The Julian Center; Wheeler Mission; Good News Mission; Holy Family Shelter; Sheltering Wings; Dayspring Center; Interfaith Hospitality Network; HVAF; Center for Women & Children; Dove Recovery House; Horizon House; Outreach, Inc.; Seeds of Hope; Shepherd Community Center; Stopover; and Restoring Lives West.