At Scale Computing, we refer to ourselves and our teammates as Scalers, and if there’s one thing you should know about being a Scaler, it’s this: We are passionate. Passionate about the work we produce, the product we make, and the ways in which we give back to our community. From collecting gift donations for kids during the holidays to throwing a State Fair event to raise money for charity, we are a company full of intensity and philanthropic fervor. So when our adopted charity stood to benefit from Indianapolis’ annual Handlebar Hot Lap Race, we Scalers jumped at the chance to participate.
In its fourth year, the Handlebar Hot Lap Race encouraged both participants and spectators alike to donate new socks and underwear for Horizon House - a local organization built to help those experiencing homelessness in order to become stable and successfully housed. Horizon House has been bringing services and support to homeless individuals around Indianapolis since 1987. Their commitment to making positive change in the lives of those who need it the most is inspiring and tireless.
The event combines two things we hold dear: collaboration and fun (and some healthy competition!) Forty-eight teams participate in a bracket system race, pitting companies against each other to peddle it out around Monument Circle for ultimate glory and the chance to take part in an event true to our city’s love of racing. Teams from all around our hometown of Indianapolis have included, Salesforce, Angie’s List, the Indianapolis Colts, the Indianapolis Fire Department, and two-time defending champs TWG Cruise, among many others. Companies bring out their best and there’s no shortage of cheering, noisemakers, and of course, fun.
In 2018, we planned our approach - not just for the race itself, but the benefit to our community in an impactful and dynamic way. Preparations included collecting monetary donations, purchasing new socks and underwear for donation, and taking our entire office down to cheer on all the riders. The energy generated by our team’s enthusiasm and pride was so palpable, in fact, we were able to donate 2,004 pairs of underwear and 1,638 pairs of socks that year - hitting an all-time record for the event! Oh, and those noisemakers and our enthusiastic cheering? You’re looking at the 2018 Spirit Award Winner!
This year was no different - in fact, we’d venture to say it was our best year yet! We exceeded our 2018 threshold and were able to supply 3,057 in donations of new socks and 3,463 of new pairs of underwear - that’s 6,520 donations! We also took home the Spirit Award for 2019 and were out in full force to support all the teams riding their hearts out around Monument Circle. We could not have been more proud as Scalers and for giving back to Horizon House in such an energetic and fun way!
We are Scalers. We do good work in order to do good for others. Having been given the chance again this year to give back to those in need is a truly golden opportunity we don’t take for granted or lightly. Through our unending team spirit, incessant cheering for all the amazingly-robust teams who participated, and our love for Indy’s culture and opportunities to grow, we feel as though we’d won the race before we’d even started. We’re Scalers. Let’s go!
Want to know more about Horizon House and how you can help? Click here to make a monetary donation and learn about all the ways you can give back.