The Thunderbirds and Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun Safe at Home
Please take a moment to watch impactful work being done in our Community through Rebuilding Together VOS. RTVOS is a leading safe and healthy housing organization dedicated to preserving affordable housing for economically disadvantaged seniors, families, veterans, and disabled individuals. Working at the critical intersection of health and housing, they provide free critical home repairs, home safety modifications to prevent falls, and money-saving energy-efficient home improvements. Thunderbirds Charities has been supporting their Safe at Home Program for many years, which provides home renovations economically disadvantaged homeowners in need of critical home repairs. Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun More
New Life Center Completes $100,000 Dining Room Makeover Thanks to For Those Without a Voice and Thunderbirds Charities
New Life Center, the largest domestic violence shelter in Maricopa County and one of the largest in the country, is excited to announce that it has received a complete dining room remodel thanks to support from Thunderbirds Charities, who gave $50,000 towards the project. The project was completed on September 1, after four months of reconstruction. The dining room, which sits up to 60 individuals, was remodeled by GCON and furniture was provided by Elontec. The space consists of three booths, one child sitting area, one high top table, one half booth/half table, three round tables, two square tables and one long rectangular table. This allows for mixing and matching of tables to fit all different family sizes. Each resident has their own storage unit that can be used as a pantry. The cabinet corner will be a coffee station as well as storage for nonperishable food to be accessed around the clock. The kids corner has a play kitchen and fun, interactive activities for kids. The space can be accessed outside of mealtimes for any work or recreational purposes. “Before the renovation, the space felt outdated and uncomfortable for our families,” says Myriah Mhoon, CEO of the center. “Now, […] More
The Thunderbirds Team Up with Arizona Helping Hands for Back-to-School Mission
To assist Arizona Helping Hands in their mission to provide essential needs for children in foster care, The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – recently visited the AZ Helping Hands warehouse to assemble backpacks chock-full with back-to-school essentials. “We were so excited to host The Thunderbirds,” said Jodie Sprayberry, Arizona Helping Hands CEO. “We had a whole bunch of guys volunteering. They put together bikes, backpacks, first aid kits, everything we could think of. It made such a huge difference and we can’t thank them enough.” Along with financial assistance that hundreds of local charities receive each year from the Waste Management Phoenix Open , The Thunderbirds have been lending a hand in person, going to various charities as a group to offer much needed help to the staff’s by packing food and water to local food banks and the assist they gave Helping Hands to get kids back to schools safely. “It’s a great feeling to assist these charities financially, but even more rewarding in person when you really see the effect is has on so many in need,” said Ed Grant of The Thunderbirds. “It is a lot of fun to work together alongside […] More
Special Olympics Arizona Awarded $100,000 Grant from Thunderbirds Charities
President and CEO Jamie Heckerman announced today that Special Olympics Arizona received a $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open during the 2020 Spring Funding Cycle. The funds will be used to support SOAZ’s 2020 state competitions projects, along with providing support and opportunities for area and regional competitions due to difficulties associated with large events and Covid-19. “We always appreciate the great support that we get from our partnership with Thunderbirds Charities,” Heckerman said. “Generous grants like this one are integral in helping Special Olympics Arizona serve our more than 25,000 athletes throughout the state, and this year, more than ever with this Covid-19 pandemic, it is even more important. We can’t thank The Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities enough for this tremendous show of support.” Special Olympics Arizona strives to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. With an emphasis on […] More
Florence Crittenton Awarded $75,000 for Girls Living Well Program from Thunderbirds Charities
Florence Crittenton’s Girls Living Well program encompasses integrated healthcare, effectively addressing holistic needs of clients residing in the Therapeutic Group Home (TGH) while prioritizing and fostering the development of positive lifelong wellness practices. It provides on-site access to preventive, primary and behavioral healthcare services to clients. “The nurses have helped me with cuts on my arms, they were able to provide care to them so I could continue working on my treatment here,” a client stated. “They are welcoming, nice and made me feel safe.” The $75,000 grant allowed us to offset medical salaries not covered by our agency’s contracted partners enabling us to provide full comprehensive treatment and support to 150 at-risk girls. This includes providing an initial health screening upon arrival (health, dental and vision screenings); pregnancy testing; psychological exams; and a personalized medical plan for each client enrolled in TGH. “Our medical team brings a tremendous amount of support to our youth daily. Our nurses are available via telemed and in person to assist with any medical concerns the staff/youth may have,” explained the agency’s Director of Clinical and Residential Operations, Deana Morgan, LPC. “Several of our youth have not maintained their physical health or […] More
Arizona Helping Hands Receives $50,000 Grant from Thunderbirds Charities
Arizona Helping Hands receives a $50,000 grant to provide essential needs to children in foster care during the COVID-19 pandemic by fulfilling emergency requests from families providing the foster care. Arizona Helping Hands is committed to continue serving Arizona’s most vulnerable population, the 14,000+ children in foster care, and has collaborated with the Department of Child Safety (DCS) and 15 other foster care organizations to serve as an emergency response network. Arizona Helping Hands is grateful for the generosity and leadership of Thunderbirds Charities during this difficult time. “To be able to provide our most vulnerable, the children in foster care, with the basic needs such as twin beds, cribs, diapers and wipes is gratifying – and what our organization is all about,” says Tim Woods, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We are proud to support Arizona Helping Hands in their work in making a difference to the children in foster care and families who need us now more than ever.” Founded in 1998, Arizona Helping Hands provides essential needs for children in foster care through programs promoting safety, permanency, and health. As Arizona’s largest service provider of essential needs to children in foster care, Arizona Helping Hands services remain unduplicated, […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Helps Homebound Seniors Stay Independent
Thunderbirds Charities helps Aster Aging with homebound seniors stay independent by supporting the Aster Neighbors Program. Through this program, volunteers are matched with homebound seniors in the East Valley, providing assistance with essential daily activities such as: transportation to medical appointments, prescription pick-up, help with grocery shopping, and friendly visits and phone calls. “We are very grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their support,” said Deborah Schaus, Chief Executive Officer of Aster. “Our Neighbors program enables local homebound residents to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible, empowering these individuals and strengthening our community.” Aster Aging This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
SPOT 127 Announces $7,500 Award from Thunderbirds Charities
KJZZ’s Youth Media Center, SPOT 127 is happy to announce receipt of a $7,500 award from Thunderbirds Charities. SPOT 127 will use this generous gift of support to replace outdated equipment at the SPOT 127 Youth Media Centers. The equipment is used to teach high school students multimedia skills and has not been replaced in 7 years. Thanks to the Thunderbirds Charities award, SPOT 127 will purchase Apple 27” iMacs and Canon Digital Cameras to enhance digital learning. This equipment will support the 350+ present and future student beneficiaries at SPOT 127’s Youth Media Centers. SPOT 127 offers a variety of journalism and multimedia experiences by connecting to topics that impact the lives of high school students. SPOT 127 gives “at-risk” valley teens the opportunity to develop life skills that go beyond the classroom. KJZZ’s Youth Media Center This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Homeless ID Project Receives 2020 Thunderbirds Charities Grant
The Homeless ID Project received a grant in the amount of $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities in support of the “ID Empowers Our Community” Program. Thunderbirds Charities’ support will help individuals and families end their homelessness and rebuild their lives by providing the critical first step of identification replacement services. According to Rick Mitchell, Executive Director, “Our mission is to help people end their homelessness by providing access to replacement documents. While it is not something many of us think about, it is not possible to get a job, to gain housing, to apply for healthcare, or enroll the kids in school without current and valid identifying documents. Support from Thunderbirds Charities will help us provide the critical first step of replacing lost or stolen identification documents necessary for so many individuals and families seeking to end their homelessness.” Homeless I.D. Project This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
The Thunderbirds Charities Invests $50,000 to Help Take Junior Achievement Education Digital
The funding provided by the Thunderbirds Charities would specifically support the conversion of our paper-based curriculum kits to interactive digital lessons, augmenting Junior Achievement’s education and delivery model to reach students outside the classroom. JA has curriculum kits per grade, Kindergarten through high school, and each kit contains six to seven lessons that each run 45 minutes to one hour, educating primarily low-income students on money management, career-readiness and entrepreneurship. Each year, we integrate our programming into thousands of classrooms across 400 schools statewide. Thunderbirds Charities investment would help us develop each online lesson including our costs to recruit and train digital volunteers; filming and editing of volunteers’ and JA staff’s teaching the lessons; development of content for each digital lesson; and building out our website, e-mail and social media platforms, and other communications channels, to disseminate and market our content online to engage parents, educators and students. JA will be able to reach students no matter how or where they’re learning, even more so now given the pandemic’s impact on kids’ education and learning. Junior Achievement of Arizona This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
The Thunderbirds Team Up with SOAZ Staff to Help Pack ‘Return to Play’ Bags for Athletes
Playing safely is of paramount importance these days, and thanks to The Thunderbirds, when Special Olympics Arizona athletes return to competition, they will be doing so in a safe manner. Recently, The Thunderbirds went to Special Olympics Arizona’s headquarters in Perryville, Ariz. to help prepare 140 “Return to Play” bags full of personal protection equipment like thermometers, masks, gloves and hand sanitizer to assist SOAZ programs start planning to resume activities. “This is why we host the Waste Management Phoenix Open,” said 2021 Tournament Chairman Scott Jenkins. “To be able to give back to organizations like Special Olympics is why we work as hard as we do to sell ticket packages and all the other sponsorships available at ‘The People’s Open’.” Take a look at the video to see all the amazing work The Thunderbirds and Special Olympics Arizona are doing in the local community. More
Gabriel’s Angels Receives $15,000 Thunderbirds Charities Grant Award
Gabriel’s Angels Founder and CEO, Pam Gaber explains “we are extremely grateful for the support of the Thunderbirds Charities, especially during these unprecedented times. This generous funding has been utilized to keep our 180 statewide Pet Therapy Teams engaged by providing them the tools to facilitate virtual visits and continue an ongoing, meaningful relationship with the 123 Arizona agencies such Title 1 schools and crisis nurseries that we serve. Although we are all adjusting to our ‘new normal’, our experience shows that post crisis events such as 9/11, the Great Recession, and now the COVID-19 Pandemic, that weathering the storm is of the utmost importance to be available to the many children that will unfortunately need the support of Gabriel’s Angels in the wake of these traumatic events. When our partner agencies throughout Phoenix, Tucson, and Prescott are ready to reopen, you can guarantee that Gabriel’s Angels Pet Therapy Teams will be there to meet the increased demand and continue to inspire confidence, compassion and best behaviors in Arizona’s at-risk youth through pet therapy.” Gabriel’s Angels This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Thunderbirds Charities Awards $40,000 to Treasures for Teachers to Power Their T4T on Wheels Program
It is ‘Back-to-School’ and thanks to the generous financial support of Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open presented by Ak-Chin Indian Community, hundreds of teachers and students from Title 1 schools in metro Phoenix will benefit with a delivery of school supplies from Treasures 4 Teachers – T4T on Wheels. Supporting teachers is critical. “Teaching is the one profession that teaches all others” says Barbara Blalock, Executive Director of Treasures 4 Teachers. “Where would we be if we didn’t have a teacher to educate and inspire us?” Barbara expands by saying, “Treasures 4 Teachers has always been available to educators all over the state, but we often hear that they cannot access the supplies they need because of time, money or distance.” Back-to-School is the perfect time to take school supplies to the teachers and students who need them the most. Thunderbirds Charities has continued their commitment to assist students and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities by providing a $40,000 grant to Treasures 4 Teachers for their T4T on Wheels Program. This year truckloads of free school supplies […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Grant Overcomes Digital Divide Magnified by COVID-19 for RISE Scholars Headed to ASU
The RISE (Reaching Impact through Student Excellence) Scholars program is a 5-year college prep and job placement scholarship for Pell grant-eligible high school seniors ready to commit to a degree program at Arizona State University in a STEM major. Qualified students receive four years paid tuition and fees at ASU and College Bound AZ serves as the supportive bridge to ensure that their transition to college is successful. Because of computer access challenges due to COVID-19 closing schools this spring, that transition to college for many low-income students was in jeopardy. Essential steps in the college application process, such as submitting scholarship essays and filling out the complex FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form, suddenly became major hurdles for students without a computer in their home. Jaleeyeah Arnold, a 19-year-old RISE Scholar and recent graduate of the East Valley Institute of Technology, is one of the deserving recipients of a laptop purchased with the Thunderbirds’ Charities funding. “I’m so thankful that I now don’t have to worry about the expense of buying a laptop for college. I have already used it for taking an ASU placement test for one of my fall courses and to attend my virtual […] More
Friendship Foundation DBA Glencroft Center for Modern Aging
Thunderbird Charities donated $6,000 to the Friendship Foundation to purchase vital medical equipment for residents impacted by COVID-19 at the Glencroft Center for Modern Aging, a continuing care retirement community in Glendale, Ariz. “This contribution supports our mission to assist children and families, help people in need, and improve quality of life,” said Tim Woods, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We are honored to support seniors living at the Glencroft Center for Modern Aging.” Friendship Foundation provides assistance, transportation, and support for programs and projects that empower seniors living at Glencroft Center for Modern Aging. Glencroft Center for Modern Aging This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Thunderbirds Charities Gives Back with $3.8 Million Donation to Valley Non-Profits During COVID-19 Crisis
FALL FUNDING CYCLE IS NOW OPEN THROUGH TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Click here for information about applying for a grant. Keeping with their mission to support local non-profit organizations here in the Valley, Thunderbirds Charities – the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – awarded more than $3.8 million in grants to 43 Valley charities during its 2020 spring funding cycle. Reaching and serving the community in a meaningful and impactful way, especially during these unusual and unprecedented times, is the chief concern of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Local organizations need support now more than ever and Thunderbirds Charities remains committed to being stewards of our communities and a much-needed source of funds and supplies to our wonderful charity partners who do incredible work for children and families in need right here in Arizona. “The impact we can make in our Arizona communities is far and away the most rewarding thing we do as hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open,” said Tim Woods, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “It’s an honor to be able to assist the missions of these wonderful Valley organizations and help improve the lives of our fellow Arizonans.” The Thunderbirds raised […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Meets Critical Needs for Child Crisis Arizona
Child Crisis Arizona, with 43 years’ experience in Emergency Children’s Shelter services, is pleased to announce the receipt of a $150,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This award, to support the agency’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, will be used to keep children receiving care in the Emergency Children’s Shelter, healthy and safe. The children residing in the Emergency Children’s Shelter are cared for 24/7. The agency has continued uninterrupted services throughout the pandemic. With the advent of COVID-19, Child Crisis Arizona immediately took additional precautions to ensure the health and safety of the children in the shelter program. Steps included scheduling additional qualified staff to supervise smaller groups of children and maintain social distancing, increasing sanitization and disinfecting practices, and providing educational activities to keep children on track academically due to school closures. The additional costs incurred by the agency are being met, in part, by this grant received from Thunderbirds Charities. Food and other everyday necessities have also been harder to acquire and more and more low-income at-risk children of families the organization serves need help. In addition to ensuring the children in shelter are properly nourished, there is a curbside food program now in place to help […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Supports Drive to End Hunger with $25,000 Grant Awarded to Tempe Community Action Agency
The Thunderbirds Charities is supporting Tempe Community Action Agency’s Drive to End Hunger project to benefit more than 16,050 individuals who are experiencing food insecurity in Tempe. Food insecurity is a continuing problem for more than 14% of Tempe residents and is especially true among children. More than half of students in Tempe elementary schools qualify for free and reduced-price meals. Chronic food insecurity negatively impacts health and productivity for people of all ages. TCAA will offer food boxes at its Food Pantry and deliver food boxes to Tempe and Kyrene K-12 schools for students and their families. For seniors, TCAA will deliver food boxes to their homes and transport seniors between their homes, the grocery store and TCAA’s Food Pantry to help them meet their ongoing nutritional needs. By providing access to food using multiple means, participating adults and families can vastly improve their nutritional intake and lead healthier lives. Thunderbirds Charities grant funds will address a portion of personnel expenses for Food Pantry staff who receive, sort, and distribute food to clients; and expenses for program materials/supplies and transportation. Tempe Community Action Agency This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Supports Chandler-Based ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth with $75,000 Grant
ICAN’s Positive Youth Development Program is a prevention-focused out-of-school time program with carefully structured activities that teach youth empathy and communication, emotion-management and coping skills, decision-making, social competence, self-regulation, and positive goal setting. As a result, youth are better prepared to navigate adolescence with strong life skills that help them make good choices and avoid pitfalls, such as peer pressure, substance abuse, and violence. Youth also benefit from academic assistance, mentoring, computer skills, STEAM activities, sports and recreation. ICAN’s currently facility serves 200 a day on a year-round basis. ICAN Positive Youth Development Program This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Thunderbird Charities Announces $5,000 Grant to Diana Gregory Outreach Services
Diana Gregory Outreach Services (DGOS), a growing non-profit which operates healthy eating and cooking programs for Maricopa County seniors, veterans, and their families, is the recipient of a $5,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support fresh produce purchases for its Nourishing Grandkids initiative. CEO and founder Diana Gregory started DGOS in 2009, after retiring from a successful career as a sales and marketing executive at beer giant Anheuser-Busch. Gregory combined her deep expertise in sales, marketing, merchandising, and branding with a strong passion for giving back to the local community to create Gregory’s Fresh Market, a mobile produce market. DGOS and Gregory’s Fresh Market (GFM) quickly grew in popularity and impact, providing more than 120,000 pounds of fresh produce to 8,000 low-income and underserved seniors and veterans last year. In 2017, Diana Gregory identified a new segment of the senior population that impacts senior health: grandparents who act as the primary caregivers of their grandchildren and who lack access to nutritious foods. In Maricopa County, this growing population consists of close to 9,000 seniors on fixed incomes who are caring for one or more grandchildren—many on a permanent basis. Nourishing Grandkids is an intergenerational project through DGOS that provides nutritional […] More
Thunderbird Charities Continue Their Generous Support for Community Gardens
Keep Phoenix Beautiful is honored to be among many local non-profit organizations that have received support from The Thunderbirds Charities, an outstanding philanthropy partnership. Our grant award will be put to great use providing shade, storage and equipment needs at our Mountain View Park Community Garden. “The Thunderbirds have been incredibly generous to Keep Phoenix Beautiful over the years,” says Tom Waldeck, President/CEO of Keep Phoenix Beautiful. “The funds received this year will be used to purchase and install a storage container and a shade sail at our beautiful garden in Sunnyslope.” The storage container will be built to City Parks standards and provide a needed and well-organized way to store all the garden tools, supplies and equipment. The shade sail will provide a much needed and welcome respite for the After-School Program students that come to the garden during the later afternoon to tend to their garden bed. It will also serve as lovely shaded sitting area for community gardeners as well as park visitors who want to just take a moment to enjoy the garden and the beautiful view. “We are so thankful to the Thunderbird Charities for supporting local initiatives,” Tom continued. “There is no […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Helps MAM Expand, Expedite Services to Military Families in Need Across Arizona
It’s rare that our military service men and women would ever reach out for help, but when they do, as a community it is our responsibility to lend our support. Military Assistance Mission (MAM) was awarded $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities so that the nonprofit can continue its mission of providing financial and morale aid to Arizona’s active duty military, their families and post 9/11 Purple Heart Recipients. On average, through donations such as these, MAM provides support to more than 4,500 Military members and families who benefit financially, as well as take part in MAM’s morale programs and event programs annually. “Receiving this grant from Thunderbirds Charities is a game changer for MAM,” said Trey Vineyard, MAM Board President. “I am excited to see how this funding will help us respond even more effectively to the needs of military families. This support will most certainly change the trajectory of their lives and we are humbled by the opportunity to offer programs to those who have given and continue to sacrifice so much for the American way of life we all cherish.” MAM programs include, but are not limited to: Work for Warriors, Seats for Soldiers, GI Gap Grant, Baby Bundle […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Grants Hope Women’s Center $15,000 for Their “Hope Heals” program
The crisis of worldwide pandemic, social distancing, and financial strain are affecting the mind and emotions. This isn’t just a feeling, it’s research. According to the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index, 28 percent of Americans are experiencing a decline in their mental health, and 34 percent report a drop in their sense of emotional well-being. Hope Women’s Center is responding to this problem with their “Hope Heals” program, and thanks to a grant award from Thunderbirds Charities, HWC can provide mental health support to women and teen girls in Arizona’s underserved communities. “We know the pandemic has greatly increased the mental health needs of the women we serve, as isolation and job losses have led to increased anxiety, depression, and abuse. We’ve spent 36 years helping women enjoy the best holistic outcomes for their well being. Our ‘Hope Heals’ program expands upon our existing mentoring program to include free crisis counseling, trauma assessment and support,” says Tammy Abernethy, CEO of Hope Women’s Center. “We are so grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this grant allowing us to provide a therapeutic level of care within the safety and familiarity of Hope Women’s Center.” Abernethy, CEO of Hope Women’s Center, says the funding and support […] More
Thunderbirds Foster Success for Children in Foster Care
The Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation will use these funds to improve the lives of youth in foster care through educational support and financial awards for social, athletic and educational opportunities to help give them the childhood they deserve. “We are so grateful to have been awarded this generous grant from the Thunderbird Charities,” says Kris Jacober, executive director of the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. “It has always been our mission to support youth in foster care and help them have as normal a childhood as possible despite the very difficult circumstances of foster care — and these funds will help us continue to serve that mission.” Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Human Services Campus Receives $300,000 Thunderbirds Charities Grant for Critical Client Services
Thunderbirds Charities has awarded the Human Services Campus (HSC, Inc.) a $300,000 grant for critical client services to help individuals experiencing homelessness remove barriers leading to permanent housing. The grant is in addition to a donation earlier this year to use in reacting to the coronavirus pandemic. “Thunderbirds Charities has been a vital partner with the Human Services Campus in our ongoing efforts to provide shelter and critical services to individuals experiencing homelessness at a time that is even more challenging because of the COVID pandemic,” said HSC Executive Director Amy Schwabenlender. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous support.” The Human Services Campus opened in 2005 as a compassionate response to a community problem as well as an economic response to an increase in homelessness in the downtown Phoenix area. HSC, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit agency, owns and operates a 13-acre campus at 12th Avenue and Madison that is home to 16 nonprofit organizations providing services and resources to people experiencing homelessness. “The services, programs and resources at the Human Services Campus are a collective lifeline for individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Tim Woods, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “Thunderbirds Charities is proud to work alongside the dedicated staff and volunteers […] More
Improving Lives Impacted by Pediatric Cancer
There is nothing more frightening for a parent than hearing, “Your child has cancer.” These were the words spoken to Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children’s Founder, Chrisie Funari. Her experience of losing her daughter, Ava, to Stage IV Neuroblastoma left her with the following undaunted words, “I knew my story wasn’t unique; all cancer families face the same struggles.” Since 2014, ACFC has provided continuous support to 700 families affected by pediatric cancer. The generous support from the Thunderbirds Charities will empower an estimated 50 children with cancer and their entire family. We believe the overall financial and emotional stability of a family will determine the state of health and hope for their child battling cancer. The Thunderbirds Charities’ gift to support our Improving Lives Impacted by Pediatric Cancer program ensures families continue to receive individualized support they need and deserve. A diagnosis of pediatric cancer devastatingly impacts families as a whole – socially, emotionally and financially. Our Improving Lives Impacted by Pediatric Cancer Program provides families with financial assistance to cover living and medical expenses associated with a child’s diagnoses, respite support, care packages, canine therapy and mental health counseling. Together we are extending tailored support during a time […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Supports Benevilla Home Services Program COVID-19 Response
Benevilla extends sincere appreciation to Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support to their organization and the people they serve especially during the current COVID-19 crisis. Thunderbirds Charities commitment to serving and improving our communities – backed by a $60,000 grant – will enable Benevilla to continue their Home Services program and provide much needed services to older adults challenged with the daily routine of independent living and staying safe with extra precautions during COVID-19. During the COVID-19 crisis, CDC guidelines advise older adults to stay home as they are at high-risk of serious complications/death from the virus. According to the Census 2018 population estimates, there are 254,000 West Valley residents that are seniors or adults with disabilities and many of them do not have a support network that enables them to stay home. Benevilla has received a surge of requests from older adults in the West Valley in need of assistance with grocery shopping or transportation. Concurrently, Benevilla experienced a drop in volunteers for the program as many of them are retirees that need to take similar precautions for their health. The Benevilla Home Services program provides essential care services helping your neighbors in need maintain their independence. All services […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Supporting the Fight Against Veteran Homelessness
The Veterans Furniture Center is a veteran run, volunteer-based, organization dedicated to assisting formerly homeless veterans’ transition to permanent housing by providing them, free of charge, the furniture and household goods they need to establish a home and successfully return to society. The VFC focus is on transitioning veterans who are moving into permanent housing under the HUD-VASH program. The Veterans Furniture Center (VFC) is honored to have the support of Thunderbirds Charities. 100% of this donation will go toward purchasing the furniture and household goods the transitioning veterans so desperately need to start a new life and stay off the streets. During this unusual time, the homeless veterans are especially vulnerable to the ravages of COVID-19. It is essential to get them off the streets and safely into permanent housing. Veterans Furniture Center This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Court Appointed Special Advocates Receives Funding from Thunderbirds Charities
Funded by Thunderbirds Charities, VOICES will be able to upgrade the quality and access of virtual training and education provided to Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a specially trained citizen-volunteer that advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and within the community. Advocates report that on-going education provides them with critical tools and understanding needed for them to be more effective with the children they serve. Advancing the Education Center with enhanced technology systems, more CASA volunteers will have access to high-quality, live-streaming education from experts in the fields of trauma, child-welfare, justice issues, and so forth. CASAs are appointed by a judge to look out for their best interests, monitor their progress, and address their needs. To ensure advocates are equipped with leading information and insights from within the field of child welfare, VOICES remains committed to providing on-going education and the tools that allow them to be more effective with the children they serve. The Thunderbirds Charities is enabling Voices for CASA Children to invest in the specific technology needed to allow CASAs to continue their educational journey regardless of their geographic location. […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Donate $60,000 to Desert Voices for Capacity Building
Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open–recently awarded Desert Voices a $60,000 grant to build capacity. “We could not be more thrilled with the Thunderbird’s extraordinary support of our program that helps children who are born deaf speak oral language,” said Tim Louis, Board Chairman. Thunderbirds Charities has been a supporter of Desert Voices for 20 years. Their generosity has helped Arizona’s only non-profit, private, listening and spoken language program, give voices to hundreds of children. Desert Voices offers two programs: Early Intervention for children 0 to 3 years of age, where a child learns to hear and speak one sound at a time; and Early Education that takes the child from 3 to 5 or 6 when they mainstream to traditional schools speaking about 3,000 words and having experienced a pre-school environment where they learn to read and write. The funding will be used to increase capacity creating more flexibility for the school when scheduling teachers of the deaf and speech language pathologists to most effectively maintain the low teacher/student ratio and therefore the best outcomes for each child. Desert Voices This grant is part of the Spring […] More