Aaron Nesmith leads Pacers for annual “Come To Our House” Thanksgiving dinner | VIDEO
More than 600 Hoosiers experiencing homelessness enjoyed a meal, activities, and time with members of the Pacers and Fever on Thursday.
Pacers Sports & Entertainment got a jumpstart on the holiday season Thursday evening, hosting their annual “Come To Our House” Thanksgiving meal for more than 600 individuals in the community experiencing homelessness.
It’s easily one of the organization’s most meaningful events each year, marking the start of its season of giving.
This year’s event was held earlier than usual due to scheduling, as the Pacers departed Friday to begin a stretch with seven of their next 10 days on the road, including four consecutive games.
After Tyrese Haliburton served as the official host the past few years, forward Aaron Nesmith took the lead this year.
“I just think it’s important for us to come together as a community and share this space together today,” he said. “And just embrace each other and enjoy each other’s company.
“Holidays is the best time of year. It’s when you’re with your families, your friends, the people you hold close to you. So just being able to do that with all you guys is a very special moment.”
Nesmith had plenty of help — from PS&E CEO Mel Raines and other executives, to the coaching staff and his teammates. Plus, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, and assistant coach Briann January of the Indiana Fever helped out.
“I think it just speaks to who we are as an organization, as a team,” said Nesmith. “We just care about each other, we have each other’s back. And I think that’s something, as the city of Indy, we can all do that together.”
Cunningham, who is ahead of schedule on rehab from a torn MCL, served stuffing. Her favorite food is ham, though she also enjoys green bean casserole and, of course, stuffing.
“I pretty much like everything, that’s my problem,” she said with a big smile.
“I did not realize exactly how big this event was, but I was talking downstairs with Caitlin (Clark), she’s like, ‘This is one of the most fun ones to do.’ And I was talking to some of the guys and they said the same thing.
“Any time that we can come back into this community and give back, that’s really what fulfills us. This is what makes this sport so special is that, yeah, you get to play basketball, but you really get to give to the community and meet the people who support you.”
Beyond enjoying a warm meal, attendees had plenty of activities to participate in — hot chocolate, face painting, a photo booth, bounce house, and interactions with Boomer and the Pacemates.
On the way out, all were handed a drawstring bag filled with goodies like a warm blanket, t-shirt, socks, knit hat and more.
“We’ve tried to make this a family-friendly event,” said Corey Wilson, senior vice president of community engagement for PS&E. “From the face painting to the bounce houses, we’ve got a little bit of everything — including the food — for everybody to really enjoy and hopefully just take their mind off of things.”
Before the festivities began, Rachel Simon, part of Pacers ownership and chair of the Pacers Foundation, welcomed attendees.
“This is your house too,” she said. “It’s not just our house. And so we’re really grateful to have you here.”
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