Peyton Manning returns to Indy to launch hospital fundraiser

Peyton Manning returns to Indianapolis this week to kick off an $8 million capital campaign for a home away from home serving patient families at the hospital that bears his name.

The former Indianapolis Colts quarterback left the team and the city to join the Denver Broncos in 2012, but he has maintained involvement in the charities he established during his long career here, particularly Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent.

St. Vincent House, which will be built on the grounds of St. Vincent Indianapolis on West 86th Street, will offer overnight accommodations for patient families who live more than 30 miles away, especially those facing financial barriers, according to a news release.

Manning and his wife, Ashley, are serving as honorary chairpersons for the St. Vincent Celebration of Caring Gala to launch the capital campaign. Friday's gala will be at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 W. Maryland St. It is not open to the public.

Among those attending will be Manning's parents, Archie and Olivia Manning. Country music star Dierks Bentley will entertain.

During the gala, Manning will honor one patient family and the clinicians who cared for the child by presenting them with a True Hero Award.

Peyton Manning Children's Hospital opened in 2003, treating infants to teens. When St. Vincent House is built, it will join the Ronald McDonald House at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in serving families with children facing extended stays in the hospital.

St. Vincent House will have 20 private rooms. No timetable for construction has been announced.

Since the first Celebration of Caring Gala in 2008, the Manning family, sponsors and attendees have raised more than $7 million for Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.

Call Star reporter Maureen Gilmer at (317) 444-6879. Follow her on Twitter: @MaureenCGilmer.