INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers raised $20,000 to support veterans who were recently displaced after a massive fire in downtown Indianapolis.
The Pacers Foundation made the donation to Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana from proceeds of the 50/50 raffle at Wednesday night's game against the Orlando Magic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The team announced early Wednesday they were teaming up with former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee to help raise money for the organization.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, a fire at the Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana facility, which helps homeless veterans find self-sufficiency, left 48 veterans displaced. Since then, the community has been working together to help the victims get the resources they need to get back on their feet.
Now, McAfee is one of those people offering a helping hand.
In a post on social media Wednesday morning, the Pacers said McAfee was matching donations up to $250,000 to support the veterans and that proceeds from Wednesday's raffle would go to help the charity.
IFD and the ATF determined the fire started in the attic and ruled it as accidental. Although authorities have completed their investigation, there is still no cause as to what started the fire.
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, HVAF announced that two of the displaced veterans have been placed in permanent housing and two others have found temporary housing at another HVAF property.
If you would like to support HVAF during this time, you can donate here. You can also purchase items on their Amazon wish list for displaced veterans.
