[
](/assets/images/article_images/2012/Ads/2012-carey-250x250.jpg)
COLTS, UNITED WAY TO HOST BIG KICKOFF SEPT. 5 FOR FANS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS
Monument Circle event marks start of football and philanthropic seasons
INDIANAPOLIS– In Indy, fall signals the start of both football and philanthropic seasons. So why not a BIG KICKOFF to celebrate both?
The Indianapolis Colts and United Way of Central Indiana invite Central Indiana fans to a combined kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monument Circle in Indianapolis.
The free event will feature live music by Dave and Rae, opportunities to find out about volunteering at United Way and its agencies, free Limited Edition Colts Kickoff posters, autographs from Colts alumni, a visit from Colts Cheerleaders and Blue, and Colts interactive inflatables.
At the BIG KICKOFF, United Way will announce its 2013 fundraising goal; celebrate results of early giving at area companies who recognize companies that recruit the most ReadUP volunteers.
Over the lunch hour, fans can also buy $5 box lunches from Applebee's and see the Vince Lombardi Trophy. This is the fourth year for the combined kickoff event – this year's event falls during the Colts Countdown to Kickoff effort, which celebrates the Colts 30th season in Indianapolis with numerous events, contests and promotions for fans. For more information, fans can visit**www.colts.com/kickoff**.
"We both have incredibly loyal home team fans -- the Colts in football and United Way in giving," said Ann D. Murtlow, United Way's president and chief executive officer. "It's so much fun to take our celebration to the streets. You are welcome if you're already involved or if you're just interested in finding out more about football, giving or both!"
About Colts Countdown to Kickoff
On August 9, the Indianapolis Colts launched a special 30-Day Countdown to Kickoff to commemorate the team's 30th season and build excitement around their home opener on Sunday, September 8. For 30 days, the team is providing daily social media contests and promotions for fans, stops by **Blue’s Fan Van* and several events for fans of all ages. In addition, *fans are encouraged to use #ColtsKickoff on social media to share their excitement for the start of football. A full list of countdown activities is available at **www.colts.com/kickoff*. *
-###-
