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.”

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

photo courtesy of Ross DeMerchant, Heritage Christian School

“No one has to convince me of the importance that education has made in my life,” Manning commented.  “That’s why I’m here tonight and why my PeyBack Foundation continues to provide much needed support for School on Wheels.  In this country, even homeless children deserve a quality education. How do we define quality?  I’m not sure that I’m the best one to answer that question, but I do know that quality starts with dedicated teachers.”

“I encourage you to take a moment to remember that special unsung educator who made an impact in your life.  Think about the qualities that set him or her apart from the rest. Then, I challenge you to use those qualities, and make a significant difference in someone’s life,” Peyton urged the crowd.                                             

The April 26^th fundraiser included silent and live auctions, dinner, awards, keynote address by Mitch Daniels and brought in over $200,000 in proceeds.  Peyton’s participation was certainly a highlight of the evening for all, especially for the homeless children who received praise and recognition from him for their scholastic achievements.

 School on Wheels believes that all children, regardless of socio-economic status or housing situation, deserve a proper learning environment and educational support. By providing volunteer tutors, school supplies and uniforms to homeless children throughout the city, we inspire learning, empower kids and ultimately end homelessness.

Peyton contacted the school and asked what he could do to show his support of Gateway students and was thrilled to be able to visit and spend some time with them.  While at Gateway, he answered questions, threw some football passes, and handed out Broncos gear.

Peyton’s second school visit was to Whittier School, where he spoke with third, fourth, and fifth grade students about the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.  Peyton appeared in partnership with the Playworks Denver organization in conjunction with the NFL Play 60 initiative. 

“It’s about getting kids active,” Manning said. “Getting active – the more active you are, you pay more attention in school and you have more energy to do your schoolwork.  We got to have a lot of fun interacting and playing different kinds of game.  At the same time, it’s good for your overall health and it’s good to be doing it at school.”

Playworks is a national organization that promotes physical fitness and activity for youth.  NFL Play 60 is a national youth health and fitness campaign focused on increasing the wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day.

“Being active has been a huge part of my life,” Manning said. “I’ve been as active as I can. You have to be active to be in top shape to do your job.”

While at Whittier, Peyton helped coach kids in a game that featured one-on-one drills similar to those that the Broncos run.