The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – announced today the 2025 edition of “The People’s Open” raised a record-breaking $18.1 million for local charities — marking the highest single-year total in tournament history. This is the eighth time the tournament has surpassed the $10 million mark in charitable giving. The previous charity record was $17.5 million, set in 2024.

“Each year the WM Phoenix Open sets a new standard, but surpassing yet another record and raising $18 million is truly extraordinary,” said Matt Mooney, Tournament Chairman for the 2025 WM Phoenix Open. “This record-breaking milestone is a testament to the unwavering generosity of our community, the dedication of countless volunteers, and the incredible support from our sponsors and fans. The impact of these contributions reaches deep into our neighborhoods, supporting vital charities and changing lives across Arizona. We’re proud not just of the dollars raised, but of the collective spirit that drives this event forward year after year.”

Since WM was named title sponsor in 2010, The Thunderbirds and the WM Phoenix Open have now raised more than $160 million (160,212,248) for local charities. In its 90-year history, the tournament has contributed more than $226 million ($226,258,814) to benefit nonprofits across Arizona — including more than $120 million in the past 10 years alone.

“Congratulations to The Thunderbirds on a raising a record-breaking amount for charities in 2025,” said David Brannon, WM Four Corners Area Vice President. “The WM Phoenix Open has an incredible impact on the community through its charitable and zero-waste efforts, and WM is proud to be a part of it.”

This year’s announcement was made at Child Crisis Arizona’s Center for Child & Family Wellness in Mesa — a long-time Thunderbirds Charities partner that’s been supporting at-risk children and families for nearly five decades. The organization offers prevention, intervention, and education programs to ensure every child has a safe and nurturing environment.

To date, Thunderbirds Charities has donated more than $2.1 million to Child Crisis Arizona that included support for new classrooms and playgrounds during the pandemic, as well as a full kitchen renovation now known as the Thunderbird Kitchen, which serves more than 45,000 nutritious meals annually to children from infancy through age 18.

In 2023, Child Crisis Arizona broke ground on a cutting-edge, 38,000-square-foot net-zero campus in Mesa, developed in collaboration with CHASSE Building Team, Architectural Resource Team (ART), and major funders including Thunderbirds Charities. Officially opened on September 25, 2024, the Center for Child & Family Wellness is one of Arizona’s first nonprofit facilities to meet Certified Living Petal Project standards—an internationally recognized benchmark in sustainable building.

As the first net-zero nonprofit campus in the state, the Center produces more energy than it consumes, thanks to features like rooftop solar panels, energy-efficient systems, and a zero-carbon industrial kitchen. Additional eco-conscious initiatives include water conservation systems, onsite recycling programs, and landscaped green spaces designed to promote wellness and environmental stewardship.

Thunderbirds Charities contributed $1 million to the project, proudly serving as the Center’s official Sustainability and Solar Partner. The campus is designed with future generations in mind, meeting strict performance benchmarks across energy efficiency, water use, materials, equity, health, and beauty.

“For many years, Thunderbirds Charities has been a steadfast champion of our mission, and we are deeply grateful for their continued generosity,” said Child Crisis Arizona CEO, Torrie Taj.  “Their investment in the solar and sustainability features at the Center for Child & Family Wellness is a powerful reflection of our shared commitment to building a brighter, healthier future for Arizona’s children and families. Thanks to their support, we are creating a space that nurtures well-being while honoring our responsibility to care for the environment. We are so proud to partner with Thunderbirds Charities to bring this vision to life.”

The Thunderbirds remain committed to supporting nonprofits throughout Arizona with a focus on youth, education, and families in need. The record $18.1 million raised from the 2025 WM Phoenix Open is a testament to the tournament’s lasting legacy — and the power of sports and community to drive positive change.