Indianapolis, Indiana – On Thursday, September 5, Purdue Basketball Coach Gene Keady and Coach Matt Painter will address 1,000 top business and community leaders at Bankers Life Fieldhouse for the 46th Annual Main Event presented by NextGear Capital benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI).
Coach Keady served as the head coach of Purdue’s men’s basketball team for 25 years – ending his coaching career in 2005 after being named National Coach of the Year six times and Big Ten Coach of the Year seven times. He led Purdue to six Big Ten championships and 18 NCAA Tournament appearances. Coach Painter began his Purdue career in 1989 as a student and point guard under Coach Keady. After taking over as head coach in 2005, Coach Painter has earned four Big Ten Coach of the Year honors and was named NABC National Coach of the Year in 2019. He has led Purdue to a Big Ten Tournament championship, two Big Ten regular season championships, and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances including Purdue’s first Elite Eight since 2000.
Coach Keady served as the head coach of Purdue’s men’s basketball team for 25 years – ending his coaching career in 2005 after being named National Coach of the Year six times and Big Ten Coach of the Year seven times. He led Purdue to six Big Ten championships and 18 NCAA Tournament appearances. Coach Painter began his Purdue career in 1989 as a student and point guard under Coach Keady. After taking over as head coach in 2005, Coach Painter has earned four Big Ten Coach of the Year honors and was named NABC National Coach of the Year in 2019. He has led Purdue to a Big Ten Tournament championship, two Big Ten regular season championships, and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances including Purdue’s first Elite Eight since 2000.
The Main Event is a traditionally sports-themed event that has long been one of the city’s premier fundraisers, raising over $400,000 for BBBSCI. The evening features a cocktail reception, a live and silent auction, a full course meal, and a famed sports speaker. Previous speakers include Tony Dungy, Brad Stevens, and Terry Bradshaw.
“Through The Main Event, Big Brothers Big Sisters raises funds and awareness to provide more kids with impactful mentoring relationships,” Darcey Palmer-Shultz, BBBSCI CEO said. “This is one of the biggest events in our city, and it shows that our community believes in the potential of our youth. We’re excited to host Coaches Keady and Painter, along with 1,000 guests, for a fun and inspiring night out.”
“Mentoring is so important because it teaches people integrity and that to earn respect, you have to show respect,” Coach Keady said. “Having a mentor helps people understand the importance of working hard, being honest, and to keep working towards a goal.”
“It’s an honor to speak with Coach Keady at the Main Event benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana,” Coach Painter said. “To be asked to speak at this event and to make a difference with this organization is something that that I am looking forward to.”
Where:Bankers Life Fieldhouse : 125 S. Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
When: Thursday, September 5, 2019. The Main Event begins with dinner at 6:30 pm and Coach Keady and Coach Painter will take the stage between 8 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) exists to defend, ignite, and empower the inherent potential of every child by providing them with professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships. BBBSCI will serve 1,400 kids this year, ages 8 to 18, in Marion, Hamilton, and Johnson Counties. An affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a United Way partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana is a non-profit organization that provides children with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that empower them to reach their full potential. To volunteer, donate or for more information, visit www.bebigforkids.org or call (317) 921-2201.