The Indianapolis Colts and team owner Jim Irsay announced a two-year partnership with Wheeler Mission, launching “Colts Caring Mondays.”
Beginning in January, the initiative provides nutritious meals every Monday to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The partnership, backed by a $200,000 commitment from Irsay, is crucial for Indianapolis, a city without a municipally run homeless shelter. Organizations like Wheeler Mission became a vital safety net for those in need.
“Wheeler Mission is doing important work in our city, and Colts Caring Mondays are a way of supporting that mission,” Irsay said. “My family and I are committed to impacting the lives of people in our community. By providing meals on Mondays, we hope to ease Wheeler’s financial burden and inspire more businesses, organizations and individuals to adopt other days of the week or even one day a month.”
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Central to the initiative is the involvement of Irsay’s executive chef, Chad Sarno, who designs nutritious menus for Colts Caring Mondays and personally cook for Wheeler Mission guests one Monday a month.
Sarno shared his excitement about Colts Caring Mondays.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this initiative,” Sarno said. “Mr. Irsay has helped countless people in Indiana and beyond, and this is just another example of him wanting to help improve the lives of those around him.”
This partnership builds on past collaborations. This fall, Irsay and Sarno donated thousands of meals to Wheeler Mission. Sarno prepared meals for guests and Colts wide receiver Josh Downs and his family contributed supplies, financial support and hands-on assistance.
Wheeler Mission President and CEO Perry Hines praised the Colts for their commitment.
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“Colts Caring Mondays showcases the power of partnership,” Hines said. “The Colts’ leadership has brought critical resources to this program, and their support enables us to continue providing help, hope, and healing to those who need it most and inspires others to step forward and join the cause.”
Volunteers play a key role in the success of Colts Caring Mondays, assisting with food service and witnessing firsthand the gratitude of those receiving hot meals. Wheeler Mission staff handle cooking and cleaning, allowing volunteers to focus on connecting with guests.
Wheeler Mission welcomes additional community involvement through meal sponsorships, donations of food, clothing and toiletries, or volunteer opportunities. To learn more about Colts Caring Mondays or to get involved, visit wheelermission.org
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more sports from the Indianapolis Recorder, click here.
