For the second consecutive year, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in conjunction with the Indiana Pacers and Pacers Cares, participate in the Season of Giving by donating toys from JAKKS Pacific Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK). This season the Mad Ants/Pacers will donate over 5,000 toys to those in need throughout the greater Ft Wayne community.

On December 14th at 3:30 p.m. a press conference with Mayor Tom Henry, Mad Ants President Tim Bawmann and Pacers Director of Community Relations Kelli Towels will be conducted at the Boys and Girls Club (2609 Fairfield Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46807).

Following, players from the Mad Ants, Mad Ant, Madame Ants, Pacers mascot Boomer, Fever mascot Freddy Fever, the Pacers’ FanVan, the Pacemates and Pacers executives will distribute toys to the children.

“Giving back to the community is a top priority for Pacers Sports and Entertainment and I’m so pleased that the toy donation initiative enters its second season here in Ft. Wayne” said Mad Ants team President Tim Bawmann. “With the help of JAKKS and the Pacers, Christmas will be much brighter for thousands of children this year.”

Organizations receiving toys:

· Metro PCS

· DeKalb Health

· Wayne Trustees

· Indiana National Guard

· Indiana Air National Guard

· SCAN

· Erin’s House

· Hope House

· Salvation Army Adult Rehab

· Fort Wayne Police Department

· DSANI

· Brightpoint

· Family in Faith Present Ministry

· Lutheran Hospital

· Eden Green

· Lifeline Youth and Family Services

· St. Joe Runyon

· Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ft. Wayne

· Family Center Services

· J29

· First National Baptist

In celebration of the Pacers’ 50th season, JAKKS is providing toys to 50 non-profit organizations throughout Indiana. Chairman and CEO Stephen Berman has reached out to his close friend, Pacers Sports & Entertainment owner Herb Simon, with a major donation of toys for Hoosier children.

“From this simple friendship between two very generous individuals, thousands and thousands of our children in Central Indiana have had smiles on their faces during the past seven years,” said Pacers Sports & Entertainment President and COO Rick Fuson. “Now this year, children in an additional six Indiana communities will be the beneficiaries of Stephen’s generosity and genuine act of continuing kindness.”