Colts' Brackett raises money for youth

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Several Indianapolis Colts players were at the Marriott downtown Monday night to support a cause.

Colts linebacker and defensive captain Gary Bracket hosted his annual IMPACT Foundation fundraiser. According to the foundation’s website, its purposes is to promote health, to advance education, and to relieve the poor, distressed and underprivileged by providing resources and opportunities to children, including children who are mentally challenged, physically challenged, socially disadvantaged, or economically disadvantaged.

In the last three years, Brackett’s charitable efforts have affected the lives of about 30,000 young people in Indiana.

Monday night, he said he’s happy to give back to a cause close to his heart.
The Colts defensive captain told us tonight he's happy to give back to a cause so close to his heart.

Brackett said he was fortunate to be giving out courage awards to three patients Monday.

“All three of them have overcome the odds through dealing with cancer or still dealing with it, and overcoming,” he said. “Showing such optimism, so we thought they were deserving of a courage award. So that’s what tonight is all about — really celebrating those guys.”

Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney was also on hand for the fundraiser.

“We’re all family, you know, and it’s just not on the field,” Freeney said. “It’s off the field, and it’s important to support each other’s causes. … We’re blessed to be put in a certain situation for a reason, and that’s to give back, and whenever you can give back, you need to.”