Hoosier Groups Raise Vital Funds in Greatest Cleanup in Racing
June 07, 2023 | By Amanda Stanley, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
There was more than one race occurring at Indianapolis Motor Speedway over Memorial Day weekend.
From the moment the green flag waved for the start of the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, non-profit organizations participating in the Non-Profit Fundraising Ecology Program began efforts to clean up after the second-largest crowd in two decades at IMS.
Within 66 hours after the green flag, all waste and recyclables were cleared from the track.
Eighteen non-profit organizations comprising 700 volunteers participated in this post-race cleanup Monday, May 29. In addition to these non-profit volunteers, the Indiana Department of Correction provided additional manpower in support of the ecology and clean-up efforts.
Non-profit organizations can showcase their Hoosier hospitality at the Racing Capital of the World and fundraise with IMS through the Non-Profit Fundraising Program. During marquee events at IMS, this program combines staffing needs with community initiatives to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with local organizations.
Groups can volunteer in areas such as guest experience, ecology, food and beverage, and retail. While fans interacted with many of these volunteers when purchasing a hot dog or stocking up on the latest merchandise to commemorate their Race Day experiences, the Ecology Program volunteers are unsung heroes.
Local churches, band boosters, football clubs, high school sports and other community organizations came together to provide the greatest cleanup in motorsports.
In collaboration with the full-time IMS Facilities Team, these groups ensured the grounds and restrooms were maintained, stocked with supplies and cleaned regularly. They also emptied the numerous recycling and waste receptacles throughout the venue and removed debris, recycling and waste from the grandstands and parking lots. The non-profit groups transported the debris, recycling and waste to the appropriate compactor or dumpster on site.
IMS has significantly decreased the amount of waste that goes to the landfill by increasing recycling infrastructure. Education and participation of the non-profit cleanup crews is key to furthering the waste diversion efforts at IMS.
In 2023, non-profit organizations helped to keep IMS pristine on six days throughout the Month of May, including both GMR Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge race days, as well both days of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying Weekend and Miller Lite Carb Day. An essential group of volunteers also participated in the post-race cleanup Monday, May 29.
Fundraising compensation is based on the size of the area served and the number of participants in each group. Depending on group size, date of participation and area/section, a non-profit organization can raise between $700 and $6,000 during a single day of the Ecology Program. Groups may participate in multiple days to further increase their fundraising opportunities.
For more information on Non-Profit Fundraising opportunities, please visit the IMS website at ims.gov/fundraising.