by Mary Anne Barothy
For the past 20+ years the Little Sisters of the Poor at St. Augustine Home have sponsored their annual MINI-500 Race to the delight of everyone in attendance. This year the event was May 20th. Despite cool weather and a few sprinkles, the Sisters, Residents, staff and volunteers took part in this exciting annual event on the front oval. WISH-TV was here to cover the story and the segment was posted on youtube.com.
Some racers walked, some were pushed in wheel chairs, and others sped around the oval in their scooters to cheers from race fans.
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has attended the Mini for the past eight years. For the past four years, he has graciously accepted the invitation of our blind Resident, Peggy Karress, to accompany her around the oval. The home presented the mayor with both a plaque and a proclamation to mark his last race season in office.
Thanks to John Crisp, 500 Festival Committee rep, Sister Joseph Miriam drove the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the official pace car for the 99th running of the Indy 500, accompanied by Mother Mary Vincent. Doug Hardwick, President of the Indianapolis Gordon Pipers walked the ‘track’ behind the pace car playing his bagpipes, an Indy 500 tradition we welcome to the Home.
Myra Albrecht, medical secretary and long-time employee, has been the official announcer of this popular race ….“I love calling the race. It is always a fun time for our Residents and I enjoy seeing smiles on the faces of all who come out for this special event. It really puts everyone in the mood for the big race.”
This event occurs on the Wednesday afternoon before the Indy 500, and we hope you will join us next year.
Resident Peggy Karress with Indy Mayor Greg Ballard
Residents and volunteer from Team 7
Site of the Mini500 action
Residents and Sisters – Start Your Engines!!!!