From its earliest days, The Indianapolis Star has
been involved in civic causes, contributing millions of dollars and
services toward central Indiana residents. Among The Star's
endeavors:
1905: Two years after The Star started, the
newspaper established the "Fresh Air Fund" to help send the city's
poor children to summer day camp.
1931: The Star joined The Salvation Army to help
needy families defend themselves against summer heat. "The Penny
Ice Fund" raised money so a poor person could buy 2 cents' worth of
ice for a penny.
1970: Indiana Black Expo was founded by black civic
and religious leaders, and the first summer exposition was held in
1971, part of the Indianapolis Sesquicentennial celebration. Since
the beginning, The Star has been a supporter of Black Expo. In
1984, The Coca-Cola Circle City Classic drew thousands to
Indianapolis for a football game between two historically black
U.S. colleges. Proceeds help fund scholarships and grants to small
organizations.
