Peyton Manning’s legacy in Indianapolis was just cemented, and it has nothing to do with football. On Friday, the NFL legend announced the end of a long-running charity effort that has helped thousands of families. He said the fundraiser has now raised more than $25 million to help equip hospitals and expand family support services.

“It started with a simple idea, to gather, to give, and to change lives,” Manning said in an IG reel video.

Naturally, many fans were filled with respect and admiration as Manning shared the news in an Instagram reel featuring throwback clips from all 18 years. In the video, he explained how the event started with a simple goal and slowly grew into something much bigger.

He recalled how the first event in 2008 raised over $590,000 to promote programs and services. Each year brought new venues, artists, and supporters. Music, medicine, and community, along with various artists such as Brett Young, came together year after year to make a real difference.

Manning also highlighted the children and families who inspired the event’s mission. He spoke about the care teams who worked behind the scenes and the impact the donations made possible. New MRI spaces for kids, safer transport units for newborns, play areas, and expanded intensive care units were all built because of this support.

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Manning also looked back on the many special people who became part of the journey over the years. He mentioned guests like James Brown, Jim Nantz, Mike Tirico, Bob Costas, Dan Marino, Pat McAfee, his brother Eli, his parents, his daughter Mosley, and Caitlin Clark.

Manning mentioned that the true stars of the event were always the children. Kids like Keston, Maddie, Lorena, Mallory, Camille, Parker, Jeffrey, Hayden, Stephen, Clay, Gray, Charlie, Payton, Sumner, Violet, Reese, Jasper, and Dwayne, whose strength and spirit defined 18 years of hope and courage.

Ascension St. Vincent hosted its 18th and final Celebration of Caring Gala on Thursday, with Lucas Oil Stadium serving as the backdrop. David Letterman is also scheduled to be at the event. The annual event celebrated the hospital system’s work and supported Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital’s mission.

Over the years, the gala became a major fundraiser focused on improving care for children and supporting their families.

Manning’s work off the field has left a lasting mark on the community. His commitment to helping children and families continues to earn praise, with fans showing strong support for the impact he has made over the years.

Fans applaud Peyton Manning following $25M charity announcement

As the reel went live, fans quickly filled the comments with messages of thanks and support. Many shared personal stories about how the hospital helped their families. Others simply praised Manning for staying committed to the community long after his playing days ended.

“From a past Peyton Manning kiddo- thank you! Your contribution to the Indianapolis area reaches far beyond football, and we are all so grateful for that 💙💙,” one fan wrote.

The people of Indianapolis especially knew how important it was to have another option, and this was evident in their comments.

“Thanks for giving Indianapolis families another option for care!” another fan added.

Meanwhile, some supporters decided to keep it simple. They chose to show their gratitude for the act itself.

“Peyton Manning – thank you for being who you are and doing what you do. 🙌❤️,” the comment read.

Others offered their blessings with messages in the comments.

“Blessings on you and everyone involved in making this wonderful work possible.❤️,” a comment read.

Fans also cheered with short and upbeat comments, celebrating the success over 18 years of raising funds.

“Way to go Peyton!! 👏🏻,” a fifth fan added.

On the field, Manning built a legendary career across 18 seasons with the Colts and Broncos. He won Super Bowl XLI and Super Bowl 50, earned multiple MVP awards, and set records for passing yards and touchdowns. It was no surprise for many when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2021.

Now, his work off the field stands just as tall. The final Celebration of Caring Gala closed one chapter, but the impact will last for years. The money raised, the programs built, and the families helped explain why respect continues to pour in for Peyton Manning.