FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 13, 2013

CONTACT: Mary Kinney
Public/Media Relations Director
317.921.1224 (business hours)
317.984.2727 or 498.0647 (after hours)
mary.kinney@uwci.org

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR UNITED WAY’S OSCAR® EXPERIENCE!
Big Night under the Big Top-themed gala to benefit Central Indiana education programs

INDIANAPOLIS — February 13, 2013…The vibrancy and excitement of United Way's Oscar® Experience, Big Night under the Big Top celebration, comes to Indianapolis during United Way of Central Indiana’s Seventh Annual Oscar Experience on Sun., Feb. 24, at the Mavris Arts and Event Center, 121 S. East St. Indpls, IN 46202. During Indiana’s only officially sanctioned Oscar event, guests will enjoy a night of food, fun and entertainment while supporting an important cause.

As United Way’s largest fundraiser of the year, Oscar® Experience proceeds benefit the education priority to help children succeed in school and beyond. United Way hopes to raise $70,000 for programs that include volunteer reading tutoring, enhanced math instruction, mentoring, improvements to local childcare programs and other kindergarten readiness efforts.
“Oscar® Experience 2013 is going to be an awesome event,” said Jessica Thomas, event chair and project coordinator, St.Vincent Health. “The evening provides a great opportunity to support United Way of Central Indiana. This will show the community how we are dedicated to ensuring quality education, stable incomes and good health to benefit the entire community. We look forward to an even bigger and better event than ever before.”
Led by United Way's Emerging Leaders, Oscar® Experience volunteers chose a theme inspired by the movie, Water for Elephants. They will transform the event center into a big night under the big top with all the flourishes you expect at a circus. Look for bearded ladies, midway games, circus-inspired food, and other surprises that culminate in watching the 85th Academy Awards on screens throughout the venue. 

VIP tickets are still available for $100 (including VIP Lounge, event access at 5 p.m. and a signature drink) and $55 for general admission. A portion of each ticket is tax deductible. For the past three years, the event has sold out. The gala is sponsored by Citizens Energy Group.

For more information, visit www.uwci.org/oscars, or contact Jody Pope at 317.920.3460 or jody.pope@uwci.org.