Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos quarterback and PeyBack Foundation President, returned to Indianapolis for a private event celebrating the efforts of 36 local children who make up Team Peyton All-Stars and True Hero Ambassadors, two programs that uniquely support Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.

Team Peyton All Stars is a school fundraising program created to inspire young philanthropists and foster servant leaders for their respective Indiana communities. The program began in the fall of 2012 and collected $50,000 for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent during its inaugural year. Also in attendance were former and existing patients of Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent who serve as True Hero Ambassadors for the faith-based hospital. These select patients courageously share their personal health journeys to raise awareness about childhood illnesses, and provide inspiration to others. During the celebratory event at the Marten House Hotel, Manning presented each child with a certificate of appreciation, thanking them for their dedicated service.

“Along with Team Peyton, we have our True Hero Ambassadors program. These ambassadors are our patients, my True Heroes, who are courageous to share their stories with others,” Peyton commented. “Most of you here today are part of our True Hero Ambassador program, and I just wanted to share how truly proud I am of you and the inspiration you give to others after you.” “You have empowered others to make a difference by making a difference yourself,” said Peyton Manning during the closed event. “For that I just want to say thank you.”

The 2013 PeyBack Foundation scholarship recipient is Matt Fitzpatrick from Heritage Christian School.  Matt plans on attending Valparaiso University in the fall where he plans on studying civil engineering.  He played varsity football, basketball and lacrosse for HCS and tutored inner city children.  His senior year, he was selected by his football teammates to receive the Christian Leadership Award, the highest honor bestowed on an athlete at HCS. He is the fourth child of Ray and Jill Fitzpatrick. 

Matt will receive $10,000 a year for each of his four years at Valparaiso University

photo courtesy of Ross DeMerchant, Heritage Christian School