INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 7, 2020) – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500®, today announces the launch of the Hoosier Holiday Challenge, presented by Khamis Fine Jewelers, benefitting Gleaners. The Hoosier Holiday Challenge is a virtual fitness program where participants will complete 150 miles of physical activity – the equivalent of the distance between Indiana’s Turkey Run State Park and the town of Santa Claus, Indiana. Those looking for an even bigger challenge can register for the Hoosier Holiday Round Trip Challenge and complete 300 miles during the same period of time. Participants can register for either Holiday Challenge at IndyMini.com/HHC.
To conquer the Hoosier Holiday Challenge, participants will complete 150 miles of physical activity between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2020. Challenge mileage can be completed from anywhere at any time. It can be accomplished in a number of ways, such as running, walking, wheeling, skiing, cycling, swimming, fitness classes and more. Mileage will be logged online and participants can track their progress to see where they stack up against others who are part of the virtual challenge. Mileage can be completed on your own or you can create a team with your friends and family so you can encourage each other along the way.
Hoosier Holiday Challenge participation helps support two great community nonprofit organizations – the 500 Festival and Gleaners Food Bank. The 500 Festival has designated Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana as the official charity partner of the 2020 Hoosier Holiday Challenge. 100% of all donations received during race registration, plus additional participant opportunities to support, will benefit Gleaners and help provide nutritional meals for Hoosiers in need.
Registration for the Hoosier Holiday Challenge (150 miles) is $60 and includes:
· Hoosier Holiday Challenge participant shirt
· Hoosier Holiday Challenge beanie
· Hoosier Holiday Challenge RTIC insulated mug
· Access to digital participant resources including a customizable bib and finisher certificate, online activity tracking and leader board, festive Challenge playlist and more
· Unlock virtual Challenge badges as you reach milestones
· Invitation to participant-only online community
- View the Hoosier Holiday Challenge participant swag HERE
Registration for the Hoosier Holiday Round Trip Challenge (300 miles) is $90 and includes:
· Hoosier Holiday Round Trip Challenge participant shirt
· Hoosier Holiday Challenge beanie
· Hoosier Holiday Challenge RTIC mug
· Hoosier Holiday Round Trip Challenge 1/4 zip
· Hoosier Holiday Round Trip Challenge neck gaitor / face cover
· Access to digital participant resources including a customizable bib and finisher certificate, online activity tracking and leader board, festive Challenge playlist and more
· Unlock virtual Challenge badges as you reach milestones
· Invitation to participant-only online community
- View the Hoosier Holiday Round Trip Challenge participant swag HERE
“The Hoosier Holiday Challenge, presented by Khamis Fine Jewelers, benefitting Gleaners, was created to encourage participants to achieve their wellness and physical activity goals as we head into the holiday season,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “From Turkey Run State Park to Santa Claus, Indiana, the road to the holiday season travels through the Hoosier State. This virtual fitness challenge combines two of Indiana’s most beloved landmarks and provides participants with a unique opportunity to advance their fitness journey while supporting the important work of Gleaners Food Bank as well as the 500 Festival.”
“Khamis Fine Jewelers is proud to partner with the 500 Festival and Gleaners for the first-ever Hoosier Holiday Challenge. We encourage everyone to sign up to be part of this great opportunity for participants to support two of Indiana’s cherished nonprofits and to stay active during the holiday season,” said Mary Khamis-Rowe, founder, Khamis Fine Jewelers.
Hoosier Holiday Challenge and Hoosier Holiday Round Trip Challenge registration is open from today, Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Dec. 1, 2020. The first 100 participants to register will receive an exclusive Hoosier Holiday Challenge stadium scarf. To register or learn more about the Hoosier Holiday Challenge, presented by Khamis Fine Jewelers, benefitting Gleaners, visit IndyMini.com/HHC or search #HoosierHoliday on social media.
About the 500 Festival
Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500® and foster positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $500 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.
About Gleaners
Gleaners was founded in 1980 by a group of concerned citizens who felt strongly that no one should go hungry. Since that time, they have distributed more than 520 million pounds of food and critical grocery through a committed network of more than 550 food pantries, soup kitchens, schools, and community partners throughout their 21-county service area. In addition to food distribution to hunger relief agencies, Gleaners serves our most vulnerable populations – seniors, veterans and children – through specialty programs such as the BackSacks: Weekend Food for Kids, School-Based Pantry, Mobile Pantry, Summer Meals for Kids, CARE, Produce Hope and Senior Hunger Initiative programs. Gleaners also operates one of 7 Regional Produce Cooperatives for Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization. Learn more at https://www.gleaners.org.
About Khamis Fine Jewelers
In November of 1995 Mary Khamis-Rowe, GG, (Graduate Gemologist), fulfilled her dream of sharing her passion for jewelry when she opened the doors of Khamis Fine Jewelers. As a full service jewelry store, they offer expert services in custom design, repairs and restoration, and complete gemological services. Khamis Fine Jewelers also buys and sells estate jewelry and offers professional appraisal services encompassing estate and insurance appraisals. Khamis Fine Jewelers holds membership in Jewelers of America and the Indiana Jewelers Association. Learn more at http://khamisfinejewelers.com.
