Recognizable faces urge support, help for ‘Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers’
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – On April 9, WISH-TV is hosting “Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers” to raise funds to assist hospitality workers unable to work at this time. Workers in restaurants and lodging make up one of the largest sectors of Hoosier employees – 10% of all workers in Indiana work in hospitality with an additional 4% working in lodging. More than 88,000 people work in these fields in Marion County alone.
With the help of the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association (INRLA), the day-long, fundraising event will benefit furloughed hospitality, restaurant and lodging workers.
Workers in restaurants and lodging make up one of the largest sectors of Hoosier employees – 10% of all workers in Indiana work in hospitality with an additional 4% working in lodging. More than 88,000 people work in these fields in Marion County alone.
Knowing that supporting those in the hospitality industry who are unable to work at this time, is crucially important, several recognizable faces provided their support to the cause.
NHRA driver Tommy Johnson, Jr.
Indiana Pacers broadcaster Chris Denari
Country music singer and Bedford native Clayton Anderson
Indiana University football coach Tom Allen
Congressman Andre Carson
Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy
Kite Realty Group made a donation of $5,000
IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe
Indianapolis radio personality Dave Wilson
Pet Pal TV’s Patty Spitler
Ruth’s Chris manager on the fundraiser, how the coronavirus has impacted the restaurant
Congresswoman Susan Brooks
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett
Indianapolis-based singer/songwriter Jennie DeVoe
There are several ways you can donate
- Text INRLA to 74121
- Online here
- By bidding on auction items here or texting RELIEF to 79230
- The auction will end Friday at 11:30 p.m.
These are the items up for auction:
- Indiana Pacers jersey signed by Victor Oladipo, with a certificate of authenticity
- Indianapolis Colts jersey signed by T.Y. Hilton
- Indiana Fever basketball signed by Natalie Achonwa
- Indianapolis Indians jersey signed by Razor Shines
- Indy Eleven jersey signed by Paddy Barrett and an unsigned Indy Eleven souvenir t-shirt
- VIP dinner for 6 at Ruth’s Chris
- Ruth’s Chris Journey “Dinner Night”
- Private room paired with wine for each course
- $2,500 value
- A custom dinner for eight by Chef Neal Brown
- In your home
- Custom menu
- Six courses
- $1,400 value
- Alcohol and gratuity not included
