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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (January 26, 2012) – Helping Hands for Freedom, a military charity that supports military children of fallen and wounded Soldiers, announced today it will host its “Touchdown for Heroes Championship Party” on the Saturday evening prior to the Super Bowl at the headquarters of IndyCar Series team Panther Racing. The party will feature live music, silent auctions, racing simulators, appearances by professional athletes and a stand-up comedy program that will include nationally recognized comedian Mark Viera. The party will be held from 5 pm until 10 pm on Saturday, February 4^th.

All proceeds from the event will go to support Indiana military children who lost a parent serving in the armed forces, wounded in action, or whose parent(s) are currently deployed. All proceeds from the event will be used to help military children in Indiana through Helping Hands for Freedom. Ticket prices start at $100, for more information visit: www.hhffparty.com

Helping Hands for Freedom co-founder, SSG Patrick Shannon, is a bronze star and Purple Heart recipient, who was severely injured in Iraq while serving for the Indiana National Guard. SSG Shannon was Panther Racing’s original Hometown Hero, and was honored during the month of May with the team during the Indianapolis 500 in 2008.

“When I was injured and recovering I noticed there were a lot of non-profits thatwent above and beyond helping our Warriors, but I wanted to be involved withsomething that focused specifically on the children of those Wounded Warriors,” SSG Shannon explained. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to host the Touchdown for Heroes party, where all the proceeds we raise will stay righthere in Indiana and go directly to the children of our fallen and our wounded.”

Entertainment for the evening will be highlighted by comedian Mark Viera, who performs regularly at top comedyclubs throughout the city, while also headlining colleges and universities across the U.S. Recently he secured a coveted role as a featured comic on the critically acclaimed “Martin Lawrence Presents 1^st Amendment Stand-Up.” Mark’s also made his network television debut on NBC’s Emmy award winning show, “30 Rock.” Mark’s reputation as a comic trailblazer earned him the opportunity of a lifetime; a leading position with the hottest, most recognized and highly sought after comedy group in the U.S. The Latin Prince is a member of the “Top Dogs of Comedy,” rounding out a company of notable performers that includes Capone, Rob Stapleton, Corey Holcomb and Wil Sylvince. He can currently be seen in the Comedy Central show, “Russell Simmons Presents Stand-Up at the El Rey.”

Additional entertainment will include comedian Matt Holt, who is a regular on the comedy landscape and just released his first CD I’m in Show Business!

The celebration – Indy’s Touchdown for Heroes Championship party – has all the bells and whistles of the Super Bowl glitz, but what partygoers pay to get inside will have a bigger pay off.

DETAILS: Panther Racing Team Facility, 5740 Decatur Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46241, 5p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Tickets start at $100. For more information, visit www.hhffparty.com or contact Rodney Smith (Cell: 602-625-9547)

Helping Hands for Freedom

MISSON: Providing for military children whose parents are injured, lost to war, andfacing multiple deployments.

MILITARY CHILDREN “THE STORY BEHIND THE SCENE”: The children of our wounded service members, and those who lose a parent to war, suffer not only from the devastating loss of a parent and a life-changing home environment, but also from the absence of a significant contributor to their growth, development, and education. Children whose parents serve multiple deployments also face considerable change. To these children facing such significant issues, caring mentors and proven leadership provide the vital support, encouragement, and inspiration to help them reach their goals in life. We work to address the gaps in the military and government’s support for the immediate needs facing our service members, the wounded, their families and the families of the fatally wounded.

Source: Panther Racing, Press Release