CONTACT: BRITNEE KING 317.872.5650, EXT 185 (OFFICE) [email protected] CONTACT: JEREMY VANANDEL 317.489.3673 (OFFICE DIRECT) 317.674.3755 (MOBILE) [email protected] INDYMUTTSTRUT.ORG INDYHUMANE.ORG Best Charitable Event set to take over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and raise funds for Humane Society of Indianapolis Join IndyHumane for 12th annual Mutt Strut on Saturday, April 25 (INDIANAPOLIS, April 22, 2015) – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will experience a different kind of roar this Saturday – and the origins of these sounds will be four-‐legged rather than four-‐wheeled. The 12th annual Mutt Strut is Saturday, April 25, giving participants the opportunity to walk the legendary 2 ½ -‐mile oval traveled by motor racing’s biggest stars. This event is the largest annual fundraiser for the Humane Society of Indianapolis. Money raised will help the non-‐profit organization fulfill its vision of ensuring that Central Indiana animals are treated with dignity and respect and live free from cruelty, harm and neglect. Each year the organization cares for more than 5,000 animals. Fundraising events like Mutt Strut are vital to IndyHumane, as the organization receives no government funding. Last year more than 7,000 people and 6,200 furry friends attended Mutt Strut, which has been named the Best Charitable Event in Indianapolis by NUVO readers for the last six consecutive years. “Mutt Strut is by far my favorite day of the year, every year,” says John Aleshire, Chief Executive Officer. “There’s something magical about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and what better way to see it than with thousands of the best people anywhere and in support of IndyHumane.” In addition to walking the world-‐famous track, participants can meet our sponsors, visit with vendors, and learn about partner nonprofits at the Subaru Party on the Plaza. Rowdie from the Indianapolis Indians, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Turbo Roo will all make appearances at Mutt Strut 2015. Students and faculty from the Harrison College School of Veterinary Technology will return to help ensure the health and safety of pets in attendance and staff Paw Check Stations around the speedway. Opening Ceremonies begin at 10:45 am. Honorary co-‐chairs include Kalen Irsay, Vice Chair/Owner
of the Indianapolis Colts, as well as Simon Pagenaud and Pippa Mann, IndyCar drivers and avid animal lovers. Steven Stolen will sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” as part of the opening ceremonies and vocalist Nancy Moore will sing “The Star Spangled Banner”. Gates at the Speedway open to the public at 9:30 am, and the track opens to walkers at 11:00 am. The track will remain open until 3:00 pm. Whether you attend with or without a dog; if you walk the whole track or just the 1-‐mile short course; there’s something for animal lovers and sports enthusiasts alike at Mutt Strut. Online registration for this year’s event ends Wednesday, April 22rd, at 11:59 p.m., but participants can also register the day of the event at the track. Full details are available at www.indymuttstrut.org. ###
About IndyHumane: The Humane Society of Indianapolis is the leading voice for the welfare of animals and improving their quality of life. IndyHumane is the first choice in providing direct services for shelter cats and dogs, including adoption, foster home placement, behavior training, appropriate medical care, and affordable spay/neuter services. As the voice for the animals, IndyHumane brings together like-‐
minded, animal-‐focused individuals and groups to educate the public about animal welfare issues and concerns. For over 100 years, it’s all about the animals. A private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that receives no public or private government funding, the Humane Society of Indianapolis is Indy-‐based and independent, and is supported solely by contributions, grants, bequests, investments, and adoption and service fees. For more information and current adoptable animals, visit http://IndyHumane.org.