Peyton Manning back in Indy this weekend

It's no secret that Peyton Manning is a huge fan of country music. And he's a pretty philanthropic guy, too.

So, it makes perfect sense that the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback would come back to Indy for a fundraising gala, featuring country music artist Jake Owen.

Oh, and we should mention, it's a fundraiser for the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent.

On Saturday, Manning and wife, Ashley, will be honorary chairpeople for the hospital's Celebration of Caring Gala, an annual fundraising event.

The private party, at theFedEx Aircraft Hangar at Indianapolis International Airport has sold out its 1,000 tickets.

But there are two final tickets being auctioned until 5 p.m.

Owen will be the entertainment for the gala. Since releasing his chart-topping album "Barefoot Blue Jean Night," he has emerged as one of country music's leading vocalists.

The event will feature an awards ceremony. A Most Valuable Player award will be given to a community leader who has been an advocate for children's health in Indiana and two True Hero awards will honor a patient family and a department of the children's hospital.

Since 2008, the Celebration of Caring Galas have raised more than $5.1 million for the children's hospital.

For live updates during this year's gala, follow @PeytonChildrens on Twitter, and join the conversation using #PeytonsTeam.

Peyton Manning Children's Hospital has more than 300 pediatric specialists, 46 inpatient beds, 15 beds in the pediatric intensive care unit and 17 private rooms in the Hilbert Pediatric Emergency Department. Its specialties include emergency medicine, cancer and blood diseases, general surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, pulmonology, otolaryngology, rehabilitation and endocrinology.

Call Star reporter Dana Hunsinger Benbow at (317) 444-6012. Follow her on Twitter: @danabenbow.