INDIANAPOLIS (January, 18, 2008) – The 500 Festival announced today a new Volunteer Registration System for the 2008 500 Festival Volunteer Program is open. Those interested in volunteering can sign-up by going to www.500festival.com. The 500 Festival is looking for volunteers to help produce events and programs celebrating the Greatest Spectacle in Racing: the Indianapolis 500. Volunteers play a critical role in producing a month-long series of events.

Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals or groups in more than 100 different areas including the nation’s largest half-marathon and one of the nation’s premier parades. The 500 Festival Volunteer Registration System includes a complete list of opportunities, descriptions of events and logistical information including dates, times and locations at www.500festival.com

The 500 Festival Volunteer Program is a great team-building experience for groups of all sizes. By volunteering together, companies, groups and families benefit by giving back to the community and experiencing a 50-year tradition in Indianapolis . The 500 Festival works with groups of all sizes to find the event and area that best meets their needs.

In September, the 500 Festival Volunteer Program earned a Gold Pinnacle Award for Best Volunteer Program from the International Festival & Events Association (IFEA). Each year, the IFEA recognizes outstanding examples of quality and creativity in the promotional programs and materials produced by its 2,400 member festivals and events around the world. More than 1,500 entries were submitted this year from the world’s top festivals and events.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization,” said Kirk Hendrix, President and CEO, 500 Festival. “Each year 7,000 volunteers contribute their time to our events and programs, and they are the reason why the 500 Festival is one of the largest festivals in the nation.”

Volunteering for the 500 Festival is a great opportunity to give back to the community and be a part of one of Indiana ’s greatest legacy’s. Those who sign-up to volunteer before April 11, 2008 receive an exclusive invitation to the Volunteer Recognition Party on Saturday, May 10 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Volunteers also receive a 500 Festival volunteer T-shirt, an official 500 Festival event credential, a Volunteer Program Pin, complimentary meals, refreshments, parking and guaranteed fun.

Additional information or questions may be directed to Joelle Baugher, Volunteer Manager, at (317) 614-6112 or via email to jbaugher@500festival.com. The 500 Festival Volunteer Program is sponsored by Indiana Blood Center and Marsh Supermarkets.

Over the past 50 years, the 500 Festival, a not-for-profit organization, has grown to become one of the nation’s largest festivals. The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce events and programs that celebrate the success of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Indiana and their guests.

Annually, the 500 Festival presents nearly 50 events and programs, touching over 500,000 lives. Produced largely by volunteers, these events and programs enhance the image of our city and state by showcasing our cultural, educational and social benefits to the world. Whether they are athletes running the Mini, fourth grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state’s largest festival for kids or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation’s premier parades, they are there, celebrating the legacy of 50 years of community spirit.

###

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at 7:24 am and is filed under Business. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site. Your comments will be moderated but will appear as soon as humanly possible.