Outside of the Irsay Family YMCA in Downtown Indianapolis Thursday, a flag is flying at half-staff.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThis is just one example of so many organizations that Mr. Irsay personally touched in our community,\u201d said Gregg Hiland, President and CEO for the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.<\/p>\n
Hiland says Irsay and his family stepped in to fill a gap in 2016 and finish this campaign to bring a YMCA back to Downtown Indianapolis, something Hiland said hadn\u2019t existed in more than a decade.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe didn’t do it because he wanted recognition. He did it because he loved people and he loved the community,\u201d Hiland added.<\/p>\n
Irsay\u2019s commitment to uplifting others reached vulnerable populations such as those served by Wheeler Mission, where people experiencing homelessness receive assistance.<\/p>\n
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\u201cMr. Irsay\u2019s legacy continues in lives like mine. I came to Wheeler Mission in 2006 needing help with addiction recovery, and because of the support from this community and certainly people like Mr. Irsay, the doors were open when I needed it,\u201d Brian Crispin, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Wheeler Mission, shared.<\/p>\n
Crispin highlighted how Irsay\u2019s contributions allowed Wheeler Mission to expand.<\/p>\n
In 2019, Irsay and the Colts donated $100,000 to Wheeler Mission\u2019s Center for Women and Children, which helped triple the capacity of the center.<\/p>\n
Before that, in 2013, Crispin said Irsay donated a quarter of a million dollars to expand the men\u2019s shelter.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’re grateful for the Colts. He’s certainly going to be missed here in the community, but his legacy will continue here at Wheeler Mission,\u201d Crispin said.<\/p>\n
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Additionally, Irsay\u2019s philanthropic endeavors are reaching kids across Central Indiana through his substantial contributions to the Riley Children’s Foundation.<\/p>\n
Irsay gifted $650,000 to expand the “Be Happy” program, aimed at improving access to mental health services for youth in the area.<\/p>\n
Karen Spataro, a spokesperson for the Riley Children\u2019s Foundation, expressed her gratitude.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a time when we’re facing a mental health crisis, you know that’s just invaluable, and we are forever grateful to Mr. Irsay and the Irsay family for what they’ve made possible for kids,\u201d Spataro said.<\/p>\n
Since Irsay\u2019s gift was given to the foundation, Spataro said more 4,000 therapy sessions have been provided.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I think about the families that have been affected, it’s just really tremendous and the peace of mind it brings. If you’re a parent who knows your child needs some mental health support to be able to get that, it’s really, it’s invaluable,\u201d Spataro said.<\/p>\n
As the community reflects on Irsay\u2019s impact, it becomes clear that his legacy will endure through the lives he touched\u2014shaping a brighter future for Hoosier families. <\/p>\n
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