Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – recently donated $82,000 to Maricopa Integrated Heath System (MIHS) to build a Family Learning Center at the Chandler Family Health Center.

On January 10, 2014, more than 200 members of the local community attended the grand opening celebration of MIHS’ fourth Family Learning Center (FLC). Housed within MIHS’ Chandler Family Health Center, the FLC will provide culturally competent services to children and families seeking reliable health information, community referrals, education classes, literacy activities and insurance enrollment assistance.

The FLC also features a children’s area with books and space for storytime activities, public computers available to view health education DVDs and on-line tutorials, a group area used for health education and parenting classes and private office space used to assist individuals applying for health programs.

Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. The Thunderbirds Charities Board consists of 15 board members from varying professional backgrounds. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona.

The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members. For more information on the Thunderbirds or the 2014 Waste Management Phoenix Open, call the Thunderbirds office at (602) 870-0163 or visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.