INDIANAPOLIS — Hundreds of people across Indianapolis facing homelessness were provided a meal at the “Aaron Nesmith Come to Our House Dinner” on Thursday evening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
According to the Pacers, this is the 28th annual dinner presented by US Foods and the Pacers Foundation. Traditionally, the event unites Pacers and Fever players, coaches, staff and partners to serve meals to neighbors who are in need.
This was Nesmith’s first year participating.
“I’m grateful to be in a position where I can give back and put smiles on people’s faces,” Nesmith said. “Any opportunity I can get to help make someone’s day just one percent better, to me, that’s a win. It’s bigger than just basketball, and that’s what we all do it for.”
The event also saw a Q&A session with Nesmith, hosted by Pacers television play-by-play announcer Chris Denari. Along with dinner, families were able to partake in fun such as face painting and inflatables.
Boomer, Freddy Fever and the Pacemates also took photos and signed autographs for guests.
“The ‘Come to Our House Dinner’ truly represents the heart of who we are as an organization,” said Corey Wilson, Pacers Sports & Entertainment SVP of community engagement. “For 28 years, we’ve been able to open our doors to help Hoosiers in need. We’re grateful to Aaron Nesmith and for his leadership and generosity along with our partners who help us carry on this tradition in our community.”
This year’s dinner saw all leftovers and remaining food donated to Second Helpings, a local nonprofit that rescues surplus food to provide meals for those in need.
This is just the beginning of the Pacers’ “2025 Season of Giving: presented by DEEM. Many more special events throughout the holiday season, along with a statewide toy drive.
For more information on how the Pacers Foundation is addressing food insecurity, click here.