Hospice DreamCatcher Foundation Inc. (“DreamCatchers”) is excited to announce receipt of a $10K grant from the Thunderbird Charities. These funds will support the expansion and growth of DreamCatchers in Maricopa County.  Local high school and college students set up DreamCatchers chapters at their school, partner with a local hospice, and set about granting the final Dreams of hospice patients. With the Thunderbird Charities grant, DreamCatchers can start more chapters, allowing for the fulfillment of many more end-of-life Dreams for hospice patients throughout the Valley.  Both young and old see tremendous benefit in connecting together through DreamCatchers, enriching lives and widening intergenerational perspectives all while having a fun experience. Caitlin Crommett, the founder and president of DreamCatchers, states, “We are incredibly excited and grateful for the support provided through this grant by the Thunderbird Charities. We will now have the capacity to increase our presence here in Maricopa County- our home county- and impact more hospice patients and young students in the area. We are proud to be based in such a supportive community, and can’t wait to make a greater difference than ever with the support of the Thunderbirds.” “We’re extremely happy to help Hospice DreamCatcher Foundation in their efforts to benefit […] More

Child Crisis Arizona was able to expand its Early Education Services, in partnership with Maricopa County Head Start, due in part to a generous grant from Thunderbird Charities. The gift enables Child Crisis Arizona to remodel a portion of its Mesa facility to house two classroom spaces for 40 four- and five-year-old children, and construct child-size bathrooms and Head Start staff offices. The Head Start program is a collaboration with Maricopa County Head Start to provide educational services to children who are aging out of the Early Head Start program yet are too young to start Kindergarten. The remodeled 4,300-square-foot Head Start classroom space is located at the Child Crisis Arizona Mesa campus, in the same building as the Early Head Start program. The one- to three-year-olds in the Early Head Start program have demonstrated a measurable, positive difference in achievement; therefore, giving children an opportunity to continue their education in a Head Start program will help better prepare them for success in Kindergarten. The two new classrooms are located in the same building where Child Crisis Arizona hosts parent education classes, community workshops and family activities. “We could not be more thankful to Thunderbird Charities for their ongoing support,” […] More

Thunderbirds Charities recently awarded $15,000 in grant funding to support the direct service delivery of Phoenix Theatre’s expanding Partners That Heal program. Unduplicated in the United States, Partners That Heal is a therapeutic arts program in which specially trained actors perform improvisational care to bring laughter and joy to children and families undergoing traumatic medical diagnoses in healthcare facilities. Incorporating a repertoire of games, songs, puppetry, and instruments, the Partners’ creative services are personalized to the interests of the individual, and are approved for delivery within multiple hospital departments, including individual bedsides and isolation. Hospital staff who have worked with the program report consistent, significantly improved communication directly following a visit, which makes it easier to take vitals, draw blood, administer tests and determine the patient’s level of discomfort. Partners That Heal provides regular programming at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Banner Thunderbird Children’s Hospital, Ryan House, Banner Cardon’s Children’s Hospital, Arizona Burn Center, and Mayo Clinic, among others. Since its inception in 2008, the program has serviced over 52,000 individuals. A Child Life Specialist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital testified: “Partners That Heal allows a patient to be a child, to feel ‘normal’ again, sometimes for the last time. They strip away […] More

Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest early childhood nonprofit organization, received a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to purchase audio-visual equipment for its Children’s Developmental Center and Good Fit Counseling Center programs. “This funding from Thunderbirds Charities will allow us to upgrade our technology solutions in three of our on-site evaluation and treatment playrooms at our Children’s Developmental Center and our Good Fit Counseling Center,” said Ginger Ward, chief executive officer of Southwest Human Development. “High-quality technology is vital to the clinical work we provide through these two programs and is a valuable tool for the training we offer to a wide range of community practitioners and students.” The nonprofit will use the grant funding to replace outdated camera recording systems in two of its evaluation and treatment playrooms and install a new system in a third playroom. The Children’s Developmental Center and Good Fit Counseling Center rely on the technology for observation and planning related to young children’s interactions and relationships with their parents, caregivers and Southwest Human Development staff. Each camera system will allow for multiple camera angles, zoom features, frame-by-frame playback and more. “We’re proud to help Southwest Human Development secure the technological improvements they need to upgrade […] More

A New Leaf is pleased to announce the award of a $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support children and youth who are homeless, living in poverty, or who have experienced domestic violence. “We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of Thunderbirds Charities,” said Michael Hughes, CEO of A New Leaf. “This gift of $100,000 will benefit children and youth in our community through a variety of programs at A New Leaf – from early childhood education to after school programs to residential treatment. A New Leaf helps individuals thrive, providing compassion, community resources, and certified care to give them a fresh start. Thunderbirds Charities is truly making an impact for vulnerable children and youth in our community.” A New Leaf will use the grant funding to help children and youth overcome challenges by providing vital services that support health and well-being, build positive relationships, resolve challenges linked to trauma, and foster academic and social success. Programs include an early childhood education program at Phoenix Day, afterschool programs for children who cannot attend mainstream programs due to behavioral and other challenges, and outpatient and residential behavioral health treatment and shelter programs. “We’re thrilled to help A New Leaf and […] More

West Valley Arts Council (WVAC) received a grant from Thunderbirds Charities for Arts Education Partnerships, to support strengthening arts education in the West Valley. Funding will support program expenses of comprehensive AEP’s which serves the needs of 10,000 students and 34 or more fine arts teachers in Buckeye, Tonopah, Goodyear and Avondale. Many of these elementary schools are Title One. This initiative is tailored for each individual district ensuring that their educational goals for students and teachers are met, and it ensures that the reach and impact of arts education is deepened during and after school. The goals of the Arts Education Partnership programs are to make quantitative changes in arts education and support teachers and districts in meeting their academic goals and achieving Arizona’s educational standards for the arts. Through the AEP, the Arts Council will strengthen relationships with area school districts, and build on the organization’s belief that the arts and arts education are fundamental to a healthy society; impact a child’s academic achievement throughout their school years and beyond; promote a higher quality of life; and importantly, help develop cross cultural understanding and appreciation. “Providing accessibility to artistic expression and learning is something we’re very proud of,” […] More

Funds to benefit the Mariposa: Wings to Safety Domestic Violence Program and Refugee Women’s Clinic at Maricopa Integrated Health System Thunderbirds Charities has awarded the Maricopa Health Foundation a $50,000 grant to benefit both the Mariposa: Wings to Safety Domestic Violence program and Refugee Women’s Health Clinic at Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS).  The grant supports a health provider cross-training bridge program designed to expand the effectiveness and reach of two critical programs for women and children. Mariposa: Wings to Safety is a hospital-based family violence advocacy program raising awareness and providing support to families affected by domestic violence, including child abuse and neglect.  The unique program provides crisis intervention, patient education and prevention programs to families throughout Maricopa County. Mariposa: Wings to Safety Advocates are available 365 days-a-year to provide screenings and assistance. During the program’s 12 years, it has served more than 4,800 women and families affected by domestic violence and educated more than 50,000. “Health education and a safe place to seek help is something every mother, child and family deserves,” said Carlos Sugich President, Thunderbirds Charities. “We’re pleased to help increase the impact of these two important women’s health programs and continue our support of MIHS […] More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Katie Stringham (480) 241-7128 Chandler, AZ (September 10, 2018) – A recent grant awarded to ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth from Thunderbirds Charities will support the organization’s Youth Development Program. Over 80% of ICAN families report poverty-level incomes and 90% of youth qualify for free/reduced meals. ICAN’s Youth Development Program seeks to accomplish five goals: improve life skills; increase resilience to avoid involvement in risky behaviors; improve academic achievement; prepare teens for college/careers; and increase community attachment through regular service work. “ICAN is honored to have been chosen by Thunderbirds Charities for support of our Youth Development Program. This program is ICAN’s core focus, providing life skills training to youth with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty and providing them with a brighter future,” stated ICAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Shelby Pedersen. “The Thunderbirds are proud to support ICAN’s Youth Development program,” said Thunderbirds Charities President Carlos Sugich. “They’re teaching our youth essential life skills, and we are happy to help their efforts.” ICAN welcomes over 500 youth a year with free programs, including meals and transportation. ICAN youth live in low income neighborhoods and face a number of daily risk factors, including chronic poverty, […] More

K2 Adventures Foundation would like to thank Thunderbirds Charities for their generous donation to our organization’s local programs. Our local Arizona programs would not be possible without the donations of local charities such as Thunderbirds Charities. More

Esperanҫa is proud to announce a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open presented by Ak-Chin Indian Community, in support of its Health Literacy Programs for At-Risk, Low-Income Latino Children and Adults. More

Every 22 minutes someone becomes the victim of a violent crime in Arizona. When victims do not have the opportunity to get help, many turn to substances or struggle with overwhelming feelings and suicidal thoughts. More

Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds, hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open presented by Ak-Chin Indian Community, recently awarded $50,000 to the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). More

The Board of Directors for About Care, an East Valley-based 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, are please to announce that the Thunderbirds Charities granted $25,000 to help About Care will be expanding its volunteer services to rural areas in the South East Valley. More

Thunderbirds Charities recently donated $200,000 to Child Crisis Arizona – an organization dedicated to providing Arizona children a safe environment free from abuse and neglect. The funds will be used to renovate two Head-Start Classrooms and a playground which will allow Child Crisis Arizona to serve 40 additional children in their program. More

Since her time as a middle schooler, Macy Eide has always dreamed about representing her country as an Olympic hockey player. Her hard worked finally paid off and her dream came true in July when she was officially asked to join the U.S. Jr. Olympic team. More

Scottsdale Arts Education & Outreach is pleased to announce a grant of $20,000 from Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds, to support Arizona Wolf Trap, an arts-integrated, early childhood development program. More

Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community – awarded more than $3.1 million in grants to 51 Valley charities during its 2018 spring funding cycle – including a record one-time donation of $1 million to Special Olympics Arizona for its new State Competitions Distribution and Training Center. More

A look back at one of our favorite events from the Waste Management Phoenix Open – Operation Shower at the Birdies for the Brave Patriots Outpost. Last February, 30 military moms-to-be from Luke Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca and the Arizona National Guard were honored during an Operation Shower/Birdies for the Brave group baby shower during tournament week. The moms are either active duty themselves, or the spouse of a deployed or active duty service member. Each of the honored moms received Operation Shower’s signature “Shower In A Box” – a gift of high-quality products for mothers and babies that have been donated by companies across the U.S. Beyond these tangible items, the most meaningful gift may be the unique opportunity for the moms to gain comfort and support from other military moms in the same situation. More

Thunderbirds Charities has partnered with Phoenix Children’s Hospital for many years and has donated more than $2 million to the hospital for various projects to enrich the programs and facilities.  The most recent gift helped fund this outstanding new Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. We are so proud to see all of the advancements happening at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. More

We love all that’s going on with our friends over at Ability 360 and watching the persistence, can-do attitude and growth of the kids involved since Thunderbirds Charities first donated money to the organization in 2006. Continue Breaking Barriers Ability 360, the sky is the limit! More

Thunderbirds Charities – the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – was on hand for the iCan Swim summer camp put on by the Down Syndrome Network. More

What a great weekend with Special Olympics Arizona and the Arizona Special Olympics State Games.  The Thunderbirds are a proud supporter of this great organization and want to congratulate all of the athletes who competed in the 2018 Games!  We look forward to this event every year and can’t wait to be back in 2019. More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Civitan Foundation, Inc. $80,000 to renovate the sports and recreation field at Camp Civitan in Williams, Arizona. The Thunderbirds Charities originally built the multi-plex field with a grant in 2004. More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix (RMHC) $25,000 to provide temporary housing and support services for families staying at the Valley’s three Houses while their children receive medical care and treatment. More

Thanks to the generous financial support of Thunderbirds Charities, hundreds of students from Title 1 schools in metro Phoenix will benefit from science-based field trips to explore the Sonoran Desert and learn STEM-based life science concepts. More

Thunderbird Charities announced today an award of $25,000 to Paz de Cristo to assist with their programs to provide services for poverty and homelessness to those in need in the Phoenix East Valley. “The need for these services is great” said Arlen Westling, Executive Director of Paz. More

A $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities will enable Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center to expand the Breaking Barriers program that provides more than 200 youth and teens with physical and intellectual disabilities the chance to participate in a variety of sports and fitness-related activities. More

The existing gap of job readiness and successful job placement is very real. The frustration and hopelessness felt by those who have earnestly prepared for employment and are not successful is heartbreaking. The World Hunger Education, Advocacy & Training organization (WHEAT) is increasing workers' skills so that they qualify for higher paying jobs! More

The funds will enable PCA-Arizona to provide PCA workshops to underserved and underfunded middle schools throughout Maricopa County. “We at PCA-Arizona are incredibly grateful to the Thunderbirds for this grant, which will allow us to conduct a multitude of workshops that teach valuable life lessons for coaches, athletes and parents in Maricopa County,” said Rich Tomey, Chapter Executive Director. “The Thunderbirds and PCA both share a common mission to provide the young children of Arizona with a positive learning environment both on and off the field.” More

St. Joseph the Worker (SJW) received a grant in the amount of $150,000 from Thunderbirds Charities in support of the Employment Heals Communities Program. Thunderbirds Charities’ support will help women, men, and families - referred by both the Individual and the Family Housing Hubs across Maricopa County - in ending their hardships and poverty through employment by providing direct program support, such as professional job development services, transportation assistance (bus passes), and crucial work essentials (safety equipment, tools, uniforms, non-slip shoes, and steel toe boots). More