(PHOENIX–July XX, 2025) Advance Community (Advance) has been awarded a $35,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its I Choose Wellness program. Thunderbirds Charities is the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open.
The I Choose Wellness program empowers Latino youth in grades 4–8 from under-resourced communities by delivering culturally relevant education focused on nutrition, physical activity and oral health. Designed to combat disproportionately high rates of childhood obesity, the program encourages youth to adopt healthier habits that can last a lifetime—laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient communities. The initiative includes 10 program series, each made up of eight interactive sessions, hosted at Title 1 schools and community centers across Latino neighborhoods in the Valley.
“We are thrilled to once again be the recipient of a Thunderbirds Charities grant,” said Jeri Royce, President and CEO of Advance Community. “This grant enables us to bring critical wellness education directly into the communities that need it most. It’s about more than just information—it’s about giving kids the tools and confidence to take charge of their health now and into the future.”
Thunderbirds Charities has a long-standing commitment to enhancing lives through investments in health, education, and human services. Its support of I Choose Wellness reflects its mission to confront the pressing health disparities impacting underserved populations and help create lasting, community-driven change.
Advance Community’s I Choose Wellness program has already made substantial strides in promoting healthier lifestyles among youth. With this year’s funding, the program will be able to:
- Expand the reach of its culturally tailored health education sessions.
- Provide more resources and support to participating families.
- Increase the number of community events and workshops focused on healthy living.
- Enhance collaboration with local schools and community organizations to maximize impact.
For more information about Advance Community and the I Choose Wellness program, visit https://advancecommunity.org/.
This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.