Wednesday, September 9, 2009

CITY TO REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11 WITH EIGHTH ANNUAL 'COMMUNITY FAIR' ON MONUMENT CIRCLE OVER LUNCH, PLAN WHAT YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY

The City of Indianapolis and United Way of Central
Indiana (UWCI) will host the Eighth Annual Community Fair on Monument
Circle on Friday, September 11th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to commemorate
the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

More than 140 local nonprofit organizations will participate by
providing information about volunteer opportunities, educating people
about local issues and upcoming events.

"The events of September 11, 2001 have given us an opportunity to learn
the value of working together as citizens in the face of emergencies,"
said Mayor Greg Ballard. "This event, in its eighth year, has proven
time and time again to be extremely beneficial to our community, and I'm
hopeful that citizens will once again take advantage of the learning
opportunities presented by our outstanding community partners."

This year's community fair includes opportunities to donate blood, check
out the public safety robots at the American Red Cross and Marion County
Emergency management booth, enter to win disaster supply kits, sign up
to be United Way ReadUP tutors and more.

"This great tradition with the city encourages people to volunteer and
connect with their neighbors in new ways as a symbol of rededication to
community" said Ellen K. Annala, UWCI's president and CEO. "It's one of
those experiences that is nothing but good. If you want to bring a smile
to someone's face, invite them to go with you to the Circle at lunch
time on September 11."

Annala said the event takes on renewed importance with the signing April
21, 2009 of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act by President Barack
Obama to establish September 11 as an annual National Day of Service and
Remembrance.

Appearances by Mayor Ballard and the Indiana Pacers' Boomer are also
scheduled. Entertainment will be provided by Jenni Gregory and Joel
Conner who will sing a selection of patriotic and other music beginning
at 11:45 a.m. on the south steps. Applebee's is providing $5 box lunches
with proceeds benefiting UWCI.

Also on September 11, The American Legion family of central Indiana is
sponsoring a Legacy walk to honor service members and veterans. The walk
begins at the north steps of the Indiana War Memorial and ends at the
community fair. There is no fee for the walk, but participants are
encouraged to make a financial contribution or pledge volunteer time to
local charities.

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