2022 Year in Review | Back to Traditions. Racing Forward.

MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

This year, we were more than ready to celebrate the Month of May and the return to the season that we all know and love. As we reminisce on our first year back in person following the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud and humbled by the commitment of the Indianapolis community to participate, our volunteers who unselfishly gave their time and energy, our two Boards and community partners who supported and provided meaningful resources, and our small but mighty team of staff who continued to produce another successful year of programs and events.

As you all know, we have been racing ahead with a full focus on our mission and challenging ourselves by innovating ways to maximize our ability to enrich lives, positively impact our community, and celebrate the Indianapolis 500. Since 1957, the 500 Festival has engaged in leveraging the value of being home to the Indy 500 by creating relevant content and lasting impact for all Hoosiers.

The importance of bringing our diverse community together for memorable experiences, volunteerism, patriotism, and camaraderie through a culture of inclusion, has never been more important. As an organization that provides over 30 events and programs, many of which are free to attend and impact over 500,000 people annually, we welcome participation for everyone and we’re confident that our participants will continue to experience the Hoosier hospitality that we pride ourselves on. From educational programming which reached 297 schools of which half had 50% or more students eligible for free/ reduced lunch to a board of directors with 21% members of color including the 2nd African American chairman in the last 5 years, we will always focus on inclusion and opportunity for everyone to benefit.

Throughout the year, we continued to be inspired by our participants. In this Year in Review, you’ll see the impact the 500 Festival has on the community as well as the impact those participating have on us. For each of these moments, there are thousands more in motion every day, each person with their own story and memory to share.

Thank you for entrusting the 500 Festival and the 500 Festival Foundation to continue impacting Indianapolis and its surrounding communities with meaningful programs and events.

Regards, Bob Bryant James S. Poore II President / CEO Chairman of the Board

Poore

THE MISSION of the 500 Festival is to produce life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana.

KEY FOCUS AREAS

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

AES Indiana

American Dairy Association Indiana Inc.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation

AON

Apex Benefits

Aqua Systems

ARGI

Ascension St. Vincent

BAM Chase

BCforward

BKD CPA & Advisors

Central Indiana Chevrolet Dealers

Chevrolet Citizens Energy Group Corteva Agriscience Crowe

Current Publishing, LLC

Daniel’s Vineyard Denny’s Delta Dental

Delta Dental Foundation

Dole

Elevance Enterprise

ERS Wireless ExpoArts FedEx

Franciscan Health

Gatorade Endurance

Gatorade Energy Bars

Hot Box Pizza Hotel Tango

Ice Miller, LLP

Indiana University Health Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Business Journal

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indy Racing Experience

Jay’s Moving Company

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Khamis Fine Jewelers

Lilly

Markey’s Rental & Staging

Marlyne Sexton McDonald’s Meijer

Michelob ULTRA Midwestern Engineers, Inc.

NCAA Hall of Champions

NTT Data IndyCar Series OneAmerica OrthoIndy

Pacers Sports & Entertainment

Penske Truck Rental

Planet Fitness Regions

Republic Airways/LIFT Academy Rolls-Royce Salesforce Screen Brodery Section 127 Sport Graphics STAR Bank

The American Legion

The National Bank of Indianapolis Topcon Solutions UPS

Vera Bradley White River State Park

WISH-TV WTHR

2021/2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman: James Poore

Vice Chairman: Sarah Fisher

Secretary: Mike Boatright

Treasurer: Jeff Holley

Steven Alonso Bill Beck Mike Boatright

Doug Boles Dr. Jim Callaghan Fred Dufour

Phyllis Barkman Ferrell John F. Gause

Juan Gonzalez

Jeffrey A. Harrison Roger Harvey Doug Heath Marty Hill Jeff Holley

Dr. Aleesia Johnson

Dr. Patrick McGill

Allison Melangton Erik Miner

Christina Moungey

Dennis Murphy Syam Nair

Jonathan Nalli

JJ Nelson Tim Oliver

Kevin Pastoor Melissa Proffitt

Robert Pruitt

Mario Rodriguez

Joe Santucci

Tanya Sovinski

Roger VanDerSnick

2021/2022 FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman: Scott Thiems

Vice Chairman: Bob Brody

Gary Aletto

Mary Clare Broadbent John Crisp

Ted Dickman

Nadine Givens

Mike Harmless Rob Hillman

David Kosene Connie Lund

Natalie Roberts

Jerry D. Semler

Cindy Simon Skjodt

Al Smith Jr. Betty Stilwell

Al Wurster

500 FESTIVAL FOUNDATION

The 500 Festival Foundation leverages philanthropy to advance the 500 Festival’s mission to enrich lives and positively impact the community through meaningful celebrations of the Indianapolis 500.

Support of the 500 Festival Foundation ensures all Hoosiers, especially those in underserved or marginalized communities, have access to the 500 Festival’s free education, fitness, and leadership development programs and events that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500. From scholarships for Indiana’s brightest college leaders, to a free curriculum for our state’s 4th-grade classrooms, to a free fitness program designed to combat childhood obesity and teach kids the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle – support of the Foundation impacts more than 100,000 Indiana children and families each year.

Established in 1996, the 500 Festival Foundation is a fully charitable 501(c)3 organization, EIN: 35-1961814. To help make an impact, visit 500festival.com/donate or text 500FESTIVALFORALL to 44-321

“My students absolutely loved the 500 Festival Education Program as well as the Study Trip to IMS. In our area, students are not able to participate in many activities outside of school due to income/ parental support, so free programs such as yours provide them with an experience they’ll treasure.” -Indiana 4th grade teacher

500 FESTIVAL MILER SERIES presented by OrthoIndy

Thousands of participants took part in the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy. The Miler Series consists of three different races that take place throughout the spring months; a 3-Miler, 6-Miler, and 10-Miler race, starting and finishing in downtown Indianapolis. Participants were able to use the Miler Series as a training program for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

500 FESTIVAL KICKOFF TO MAY presented by STAR Bank

The 500 Festival Board of Directors, the 500 Festival Princesses, race fans, and members of the community gathered at Monument Circle to kick off the monthlong celebration. Welcoming the spirit of May, Mayor Joe Hogsett accepted a celebratory milk bottle, the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro Festival Cars made an appearance, and the 2022 Kickoff to May Coloring Contest winners were announced. IndyCar driver Conor Daly even made an appearance as he mounted his street sign on the Circle!

ONEAMERICA 500 FESTIVAL MINI-MARATHON & DELTA DENTAL 500 FESTIVAL 5K

On May 7th, over 20,000 participants crossed the start line at the 46th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and 23rd Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K. Known as The Greatest Spectacle in Running, the Mini-Marathon features 13.1 miles of iconic elements and traditions throughout downtown Indianapolis, including a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K is 3.1 miles of fanfare, complete with pit stations, course entertainment, and cheering spectators. Both races finish with grand celebrations at the Post-Race Party.

“The Indy Mini has been on my schedule for two years. It didn’t happen in 2020 or 2021, so I’m really looking forward to getting to Indianapolis. The race director was kind enough to give me bib #50. So, it’ll be a surreal moment. It’ll be my 50th state. I’ll soak it all in around the track and everything.”

- Sean Grady

Home of the 2022 USATF Half Marathon Road Championships

This year, the 500 Festival and Indiana Sports Corp hosted the 2022 USA Track & Field Half Marathon Road Championships in conjunction with the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The 500 Festival welcomed the nation’s top half marathon competitors to compete prior to the start of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. History was made as Emily Sission broke the American record in the women’s division with a time of 1:07:11 to win the USATF Half Marathon Road Championships.

SALESFORCE & JPMORGAN CHASE 500 FESTIVAL KIDS’ DAY & ROOKIE RUN

On May 15th , kids and families took over Monument Circle for the state’s largest free outdoor festival for kids. Kids’ Day is a celebration featuring interactive, educational displays and activities that focus on health, fitness and multi-cultural entertainment. This year, Kids’ Day welcomed 40,000 kids and families and featured over 40 exhibitors and activities including inflatable bounce houses, drumming workshops, Bollywood dance classes, arts and crafts stations, and so much more!

Indiana’s youngest runners , ages 3-10, hit the streets of downtown Indianapolis for the Rookie Run, an annual non-competitive race. Over 800 kids participated and experienced the excitement of a running event complete with start/finish line production, cheering section, participant bib, and finisher medal.

500 FESTIVAL BREAKFAST AT THE BRICKYARD

presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc.

Race fans, business leaders, Indiana’s mayors, and the 500 Festival Princesses were welcomed to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for this time-honored tradition. More than 60 mayors from all corners of Indiana were honored for their exceptional work in advancing Hoosier communities. A traditional Hoosier breakfast was enjoyed as guests heard from James Hinchcliffe, former INDYCAR driver and current INDYCAR analyst for NBC Sports. Melissa Aceves was announced as the 2022 Marlyne Sexton 500 Festival Queen Scholar.

“I am honored to be the featured guest at this year’s event, and am thrilled at the opportunity to be involved in such a historic tradition and to be amongst the list of previously featured guests such as Roger Penske, Sam Schmidt, and Mario Andretti. Officially being recognized as the Mayor of Hinchtown is also an added bonus!”

- James Hinchcliffe

“The best part of participating in the 500 Festival Princess Program is meeting amazing individuals passionate about racing, history, engineering, and the legacy of the 500 Festival. Through outreaches, I visited organizations to share the legacy of the 500 Festival while also carrying on the legacy my dad left behind before his passing. Like many other Hoosiers, he had a love for cars, festivities, and community; making it so heartwarming to connect with others. The time I’ve had as a Queen and Princess has genuinely been a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”

-Melissa Aceves

2022 Marlyne Sexton 500 Festival Queen Scholar

STAR FAMILIES

THE AMERICAN LEGION 500 FESTIVAL MEMORIAL SERVICE

This event, held at the Indiana War Memorial, honored the significance of Memorial Day and was a time for the Indianapolis community to honor and remember Indiana’s fallen servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

In addition to hearing from distinguished guests and keynote speaker, Lieutenant General (Ret.) John Jansen, US Marine Corps, the service included the joint service color guard presentation of the colors and performances by the Capital City Chorus and the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division Band.

“Americans hold in their hearts, great respect and gratitude for those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in service to this great Nation. And as Memorial Day is our national day of remembrance for this sacrifice, our Gold Star Ceremony reminds us that the sacrifice is not just that of an individual, but that of an entire family.”

- Lieutenant General (Ret.) Jansen

AES 500 FESTIVAL PARADE

More than 300,000 attendees lined the streets for the 66th annual and 3rd largest parade in the US. The AES 500 Festival Parade featured spectacular floats, larger-than-life helium balloons, marching bands from across the country, celebrities and everyday heroes, and the 33 drivers that competed in the 2022 Indianapolis 500. This year’s theme, Back to Traditions. Racing Forward., welcomed Indianapolis residents and race fans back home again to remember the rich traditions of the Month of May and celebrate racing toward a brighter future though the magic, excitement, and fanfare of the parade.

To represent all the volunteers and staff for their passionate work with the 500 Festival events, like the Education Program, Mini-Marathon, and the Parade, past, present, and the future is such an awesome honor. Just to be open, I will be in a wheelchair when you see me because of my presumptive diagnosis of ALS. The Month of May is also ALS Awareness month.”

“I am so honored to be the Grand Marshal of the 500 Festival Parade!

-August A. Ebeling

INDIANAPOLIS

MILE CHALLENGE

500 FESTIVAL mini-mini

Traditionally, the 500 Festival mini-mini draws hundreds of young runners and cheering fans to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but this year, the mini-mini was produced virtually and it continued to provide Indiana’s youth with a memorable running experience – from anywhere! Participants chose from four different races, ranging from half a mile to three miles. They received a commemorative shirt, finisher medal, drawstring bag, a customizable bib, and finisher certificate.

3,000+

500 FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

presented by Citizens Energy Group

A dedicated team of volunteers is relied upon each year to ensure our events and programs continue to enrich the lives of a half million people. Over 3,000 volunteers worked together in true Hoosier spirit to create an exciting and impactful year of events. Volunteers are essential in making our events possible, and they continue to selflessly give their time, effort, and passion.

As the return of in-person events has reinforced that volunteers are essential to making our events possible, longtime volunteer August A. Ebeling was selected as this year’s AES 500 Festival Parade Grand Marshal. August’s commitment to service and passion for the 500 Festival represents each of our incredible volunteers who selflessly give their time and effort to help make the Month of May possible.

“The 500 Festival Parade is so amazing to be a part of! We have been Balloon Handlers for 16 years and it is so much fun to see how excited the spectators become, especially the little ones when they see our big balloon traveling through the streets of downtown Indianapolis.”

- Linda and Steve Bauknecht, Indianapolis

500 FESTIVAL CORPORATE MEMBER PROGRAM

Businesses are provided a unique opportunity to become involved in the Month of May by building and maintaining meaningful connections and extending hospitality and ticket benefits to their employees and clients.

This year, more than 250 companies united around the 500 Festival’s mission to enrich lives and positively impact the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. Our corporate members also enjoyed exclusive events held at SILO Auto Club Conservancy and Fowling Warehouse.

“The 500 Festival Corporate Member Program unites businesses around the state of Indiana and provides unique ways for our members to offer engaging opportunities to both employees and clients. Now more than ever, providing stability to our communities in these uncertain times is critical and the 500 Festival Corporate Member Program provides a terrific platform to help serve that need.”

- Robert Pruitt, Regional Managing Partner, FORVIS

500 FESTIVAL PRINCESS PROGRAM presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis

33 college-aged, civic-minded, and academically driven women were selected to serve as 500 Festival Princesses and be ambassadors of the 500 Festival’s mission in their communities and universities.

The 2022 500 Festival Princesses represented 15 Indiana colleges and universities and 22 cities and towns across the state. With a cumulative GPA of 3.62, this year’s

500 Festival Princesses were selected from hundreds of applicants based on leadership, academic stewardship, community involvement, and their embodiment of the Hoosier spirit. Together, they completed over 200 hours of service and outreach to community organizations throughout the state of Indiana.

500 FESTIVAL INTERN PROGRAM + LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

presented by FORVIS

In spring, the 500 Festival welcomed 11 of the most ambitious, hard-working students from eight different universities. The 500 Festival Intern Program provides students with hands-on professional development and the opportunity to experience the Month of May in a new and exciting way, playing a critical role in the planning and execution of 500 Festival celebrations. Our interns also participated in the 500 Festival Leadership Development Program, presented by FORVIS (formerly BKD, LLP), taking part in learning sessions led by business and community leaders, professional development events, and more.

“I loved being an intern at the 500 Festival because of the quick work pace and the amount of responsibilities I had. I loved the workplace and being able to collaborate with many different departments as well. My favorite part of the entire experience was getting to know my fellow interns and being hands on in many different projects!”

500 FESTIVAL & INDIANAPOLIS 500 EDUCATION PROGRAM

presented by Indiana University Health

Every spring, this free program teaches Indiana fourth-grade students the significant impact of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 on Indiana’s history and culture. The Education Program equips fourth-grade educators with engaging lesson plans and classroom materials that are based on Indiana Academic Standards which include Language Arts, Health, Math, Science, Social Studies, Visual Arts, and Physical Education.

Classrooms also had the unique opportunity to participate in a Study Trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or a Mobile Trip, where the 500 Festival brought the fun of a field trip to their school.

500 FESTIVAL KIDSFIT PROGRAM

The 500 Festival KidsFit Program is a free program provided to Indiana schools and groups serving kids in grades K-6th. The program uses in-class lessons and activities to teach youth how to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle through a mix of running and walking.

Nearly 50 schools and groups participated in the 2021-2022 KidsFit Program, in which students completed weekly lessons centered around the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500. Using the “Start Your Engines” training plan, students learned to run or walk one mile each week and completed a total of 13.1 miles by the end of the program. Several students also conquered their fitness goals by crossing the finish line at the KidsFit Final 5K which is part of the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K!

500 FESTIVAL MINI-MOVES PROGRAM

This free in-school program equips Indiana K-12 teachers with the resources to help inspire physical activity and lifelong healthy habits in Hoosier youth. MiniMoves consisted of in-class activities and goal setting and offered maximum flexibility for teachers, so it could be implemented over any course of time.

FESTIVAL FINANCIALS

During the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the 500 Festival moved to create relevant virtual programs and content that positively impacted our community. Amid cancellations globally for in-person events, we are proud of the fact that the organization did not lay off a single employee and managed a positive net income even while revenues were cut nearly in half to under $3.5 million. Those moves enabled us to be prepared to quickly ramp up back to our normal in-person event schedule and even maintain some new and still relevant virtual activations in 2022.

Our fiscal year ending on June 30 reflects a return to revenues of over $6 million and participation of nearly 500,000 Hoosiers in 500 Festival events and programs. Even with cost and labor increases that affected all markets, we were able to finish the year with a positive net operating income exceeding $500,000. That success positions us well to continue providing all of our traditional programs even as the costs for events continue trending up while the market response to attending live events is still in flux.

With established new sources of incremental revenues and a team focused on efficiencies without sacrificing quality, the 500 Festival is well-positioned to fulfill its mission for many years ahead. The opportunity for growth of mission in reaching diverse and underserved communities will be further fueled by the active support of the 500 Festival Foundation and its first-ever fundraising campaign.

Revenue Expenses

Operating Income