On Friday evening, the 18th annual Indiana Pacers “Come to Our House” Thanksgiving Dinner presented by US Foods and hosted by Rodney & Heidi Stuckey, was a tremendous success.
"This is one of the events that I like to do," Stuckey said. "I like to give back and that's what we're doing today."
Over 700 men, women and children from Central Indiana shelters gathered for a warm, traditional holiday meal, prepared by Levy Restaurants. The Indiana Pacers coaches, players and basketball staff joined with members of the Indiana Fever, the Pacemates and Freddy Fever to volunteer as servers for the event.
Photo Gallery: "Come to Our House" Dinner 2015 »
"This is easily my favorite community event we do each year," Pacers head coach Frank Vogel said. "Providing a nice warm meal for these folks is always very rewarding."
In addition to the food, the guests had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities which included: IU Health flu shots, photo booths, a balloon artist, a face painter, a caricaturist and more. When the guests left the Fieldhouse, they received a Pacers hat, a Fever scarf, gloves, Finish Line socks, McDonald’s coupons and a variety of cold-weather items.
"I don't think there's any doubt that this is the most special day [for the franchise]," Pacers President Rick Fuson said. "It's a heart-fulfilling moment."