Thunderbirds eclipse $13 million donation mark for first time, eighth straight year breaking record.

The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – raised a record $13.2 million ($13,254,334) for local charities through proceeds from the 2019 tournament. This is the highest single-year charitable donation in tournament history, breaking last year’s record total of $12.2 million and the first time eclipsing $13 million in tournament history. It also marks the eighth-consecutive year breaking the tournament record of charitable dollars raised in a single year.

“We’re always extremely proud when we make this announcement, and we’re pleased to break our single-year charitable contribution record for the eighth-straight year,” said 2019 WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman Chance Cozby. “It is a testament to the public involvement around our event and we’re grateful for the support of the community, our corporate partners and especially our title sponsor Waste Management so we can continue to achieve our goals to help Arizona children and families in need.”

The Thunderbirds and the Waste Management Phoenix Open have raised more than $81 million ($81,672,224) for local charities since 2010 when Waste Management became title sponsor. In its history, dating back to 1932, the Phoenix Open has raised more than $147 million ($147,718,790) for charities in Arizona.

“With the tremendous partnership from The Thunderbirds, we are proud that the Waste Management Phoenix Open generated record-breaking charitable contributions and benefits hundreds of charities,” said Jim Fish, Waste Management president and CEO. “2019 marked our tenth year as title sponsor. Given the tremendous impact this zero waste tournament provides the community and environment, it’s no surprise we also announced our title sponsorship extension through 2030.”

The 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open will be held at TPC Scottsdale January 27 – February 2, 2020. “The People’s Open” has been named the Tournament of the Year by the PGA TOUR three times in the last five years (2014, 2015 and 2018) and has gained legendary status for being one the most unique events in golf. The 2020 edition will mark the 85^th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 11^th as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

 

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 280 “life” members.  The Thunderbirds raised a record $13.2 million for charity from proceeds from the 2019 WM Phoenix Open and have eclipsed $147 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932.  For more information on The Thunderbirds, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.

Year-by-year breakdown of dollars raised since 2010:

2010	–	$4,429,266
2011	–	$4,053,962
2012	–	$5,552,416
2013	–	$6,214,711
2014	–	$7,061,282
2015	–	$9,325,732
2016	–	$9,369,873
2017	–	$10,147,441
2018	–	$12,263,207
2019	–	$13,254,334
		$81,672,224