Mesa, AZ December 6, 2017 – 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. “In the past year, Paz has seen our number of visitors increase by 10% while those identifying as homeless has increased by 30%. We are grateful to the Thunderbird Charities for this grant and for their support of our work over the years”.

“Paz de Cristo is providing the needed services to make a true difference in the lives of these individuals,” said Andy Markham, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We’re happy to assist in their efforts.”

About Paz de Cristo Community Center:

Paz de Cristo has been serving the poor and hungry in the Phoenix East Valley since 1988. They currently average over 7000 visits per month from people looking for food, clothing and other services at their facility at Broadway and Country Club in Mesa. Their mission is simple-to feed, clothe and empower those in need in the Phoenix East Valley. In addition to providing an evening meal 365 days per year and food boxes every week day, Paz also provides a jobs program, clothing, weekly showers, vouchers for I.D.’s and birth certificates and volunteer nurses 2 nights a week.

Paz de Cristo is supported through grants from organizations such as the Thunderbirds Charities and by individual donations. Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, individuals can donate up to $800 and get it right back when they file their Arizona tax return. Information can be found at www.pazdecristo.org

About Thunderbirds Charities

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 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. For more information on the Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.