#PEOPLESOPEN

WM Phoenix Open

THUNDERBIRDS CHARITIES AWARDS SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA WITH $130,000 GRANT

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1689608110169{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Special Olympics Arizona received a $130,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – during the 2023 Spring Funding Cycle.  The funds will be used to support SOAZ’s 2023-2024 athletic season that will include area and regional competitions, as well as its four major statewide competitions in the Fall of 2023 and Spring/Summer of 2024 that will feature more than 1,000 athletes from all across the state of Arizona participating in each state competition.

“We have had an outstanding partnership with Thunderbirds Charities, and we can’t thank them enough once again for such a generous grant,” Heckerman said.  “Their continued support goes a long way to helping Special Olympics Arizona serve our more than 14,000 athletes all across the state of Arizona, with specialized programming and more importantly, with our statewide competitions.  We are excited for the upcoming 2023-24 competition season.”[/vc_column_text][mk_gallery images=”36490,36492,36496″ image_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1689609407610{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]With this grant from Thunderbirds Charities, SOAZ athletes will have more opportunities to demonstrate excellence, improve their physical fitness, and create relationships through sports.

“Special Olympics Arizona holds a special place in the heart of The Thunderbirds, and witnessing the remarkable growth and success of this organization over the years fills us with immense gratitude,” said Pat Williams, President of Thunderbirds Charities and Big Chief of The Thunderbirds. “By providing an outstanding platform and support network, Special Olympics

Arizona empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to embrace a healthy lifestyle and champion inclusivity. It is an absolute honor for The Thunderbirds to play a part in advancing this significant mission, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing these extraordinary athletes compete in the upcoming year.”

Special Olympics Arizona strives to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

With an emphasis on acceptance, respect and inclusion, SOAZ operates under the assumption that people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are capable of participation in all aspects of life by focusing on abilities rather than limitations. Special Olympics is often the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves.

Special Olympics programs provide a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance and joy, and the lessons learned in Special Olympics impact their life skills as well.

It also will help SOAZ expand opportunities to empower the Arizonans with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to be healthy, productive and respected members of society while breaking down barriers they face and the increased isolation and challenges brought on by the pandemic.

The purpose of Special Olympics Arizona is to empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities to live healthy, fulfilling and meaningful lives. This vision of acceptance and inclusion is realized through health, leadership and advocacy programs, as well as providing

year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving more opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.  For more information on Special Olympics Arizona visit www.specialolympicsarizona.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

GEORGE THIMSEN NAMED TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN FOR 2024 WM PHOENIX OPEN

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1686683265395{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}"]The Thunderbirds, hosts of the [geoswitch][geoswitch_case country_code="US" state_code="AZ"]WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison[/geoswitch_case][geoswitch_case]WM Phoenix Open[/geoswitch_case][/geoswitch], have named George Thimsen the Tournament Chairman for the 2024 edition of “The People’s Open”, which is set to tee it up Feb. 5-11 at TPC Scottsdale.  Additionally, The Thunderbirds announced that Matt Mooney has been named Assistant Tournament Chairman for the 2024 event.

Thimsen assumes the role of Tournament Chairman after serving last year as Assistant Tournament Chairman alongside Pat Williams.  He will guide The Thunderbirds organization in the planning and execution of all facets of the 2024 event, including sponsorship generation and renewals, security and safety, community relations, logistics, and development of on-course venues.

A Southern California native from Rancho Palos Verdes, Thimsen earned his degrees in Marketing and Communications from California State University, Chico.  He's been a member of The Thunderbirds since 2017 and has called Phoenix home with his wife, Natalie, and their two children, Gia (age 10) and Jayde (age 8), since 2013.  Thimsen’s business background includes serving in various leadership roles at Red Bull for more than 11 years before becoming a Partner and Chief Revenue Officer at Timeless, LLC in 2019.

"Being named Tournament Chairman of the WM Phoenix Open is not only an honor, but a responsibility to uphold this group’s incredible legacy of giving back to the community,” Thimsen said. “I am excited to work alongside my fellow Thunderbirds, our partners, volunteers, and our amazing sponsors – including the best title sponsor in professional sports, WM – to create another unforgettable ‘People’s Open’ for the players and the greatest fans in golf.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][mk_image heading_title="2024 Tournament Chairman George Thimsen" src="https://wmphoenixopen.com/wp-content/uploads/thimsen_george_crest_color_resize-scaled.jpg" image_size="full" align="center"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][mk_image heading_title="2024 Assistant Tournament Chairman Matt Mooney" src="https://wmphoenixopen.com/wp-content/uploads/mooney_matt_crest_color_resize-scaled.jpg" image_size="full" align="center"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="15px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1686682726976{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Mooney is the Chief Operating Officer of Parkway Property Investments, a privately-owned, full service real estate investment firm with more than $3 Billion in assets under management across the United States.  He graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University, where he received both his Bachelor and Master degrees in Business Administration, and was a member of the Men’s Golf Team.   He and his wife Anna have three children, Connor (age 13), Kathryn (age 11), and Cullen (age 8), and currently reside in Phoenix.  He has been a Thunderbird since 2016.

As Assistant Tournament Chairman, Mooney will work alongside Thimsen in all tournament related operations while preparing to assume the Tournament Chairman role for the 2025 tournament.

The 2024 WM Phoenix Open will take place in early February at TPC Scottsdale. “The People’s Open” has been named the Tournament of the Year by the PGA TOUR four times since 2014 to acknowledge the tournament’s legendary status as one the most unique events in golf. The 2024 edition will mark the 89th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 15th with WM as title sponsor.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

National Golf Day 2023

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1683740073732{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]May 10 is National Golf Day, an annual observance designated to celebrate the significant economic and charitable benefits produced by the sport of golf. Industry reports released this week reveal that more than $200 billion is generated annually in economic impact, and $4 billion in charitable giving is delivered to communities across the U.S.

Each week, the PGA TOUR hosts world class events in communities across 34 states, showcasing the world’s best golfers while collectively generating more than $200 million on average in annual charitable proceeds. Scottsdale is no exception, as our city has served as hosted the WM Phoenix Open for more than 88years.

Through our tournament, we show the world the incredible assets of our host city – a thriving business climate, supportive corporate and civic leaders, engaged and committed volunteers, and enthusiastic fans and community champions. These contributions drive economic benefits that exceed $450 million annually and add to the more than $176 million in charitable impact delivered by the WM Phoenix Open to nonprofit organizations since our inception.

Driven by the PGA TOUR’s mission to transform lives and unify communities, we are committed to ensuring that we build on these investments and contributions with an even stronger commitment to partnerships and opportunities that grow our sport, our business, and our community impact.

While the WM Phoenix Open is celebrated one week a year, the impact of our tournament is far-reaching. As we join the nation in celebrating the good that golf does, we pause to celebrate all of you throughout Maricopa County and the entire State of Arizona who have contributed to our success. Thank you. We are proud to be a member of this community and look forward to even greater success with your continued support.

Happy National Golf Day![/vc_column_text][mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”medium” url=”https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/latest/2023/05/10/on-national-golf-day-how-do-we-love-thee-let-us-count-the-ways-max-homa-justin-thomas-adam-hadwin” target=”_blank” align=”center” fullwidth=”true”]Learn More About National Golf Day[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]

THE THUNDERBIRDS CO-HOST NCAA DIVISION 1 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GRAYHAWK GOLF CLUB

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The 2023 NCAA DI Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships are set to take place May 19-31, with The Thunderbirds serving alongside ASU since 2021 as co-hosts at Scottsdale’s Grayhawk Golf Club.

“It has been The Thunderbirds honor to co-host the NCAA Golf Championships with Arizona State University over the last two years,” said Thunderbirds Big Chief Michael Golding.  “I’d like to welcome each and every one of the athletes to the third and final year of this tournament, wish all of them the best of luck, and thank Grayhawk Golf Club, the NCAA and Arizona State University for making this exceptional event happen over the past two years. We’re all looking forward to some great golf.”

Both championships start with three days of stroke play, Friday through Sunday (54 holes). The top 15 teams and nine individuals (not already on an advancing team) move on to a final 18 holes of stroke play (Monday) to determine the top eight teams advancing to match play as well as the 72-hole individual champion. The team championship is determined through match-play, with quarterfinals and semifinals on Tuesday, followed by the finals on Wednesday.

Both the women’s and men’s championships are open to the public

The women’s championship will take place May 19-24. The men’s championship will take place May 26-31. And you can catch all the action LIVE on NBC Golf.

Women

  • Monday, May 22
    • 2-6pm: Individual Championship
  • Tuesday, May 23
    • 9-11:30 am: Team Quarterfinals
    • 2-6 pm: Team Semifinals
  • Wednesday, May 24
    • 2-6 pm: Team Championship

Men

  • Monday, May 29
    • 2-6 pm: Individual Championship
  • Tuesday, May 30
    • 9-11:30 am: Team Quarterfinals
    • 2-6 pm: Team Semifinals
  • Wednesday, May 31
    • 2-6 pm: Team Championship

SCHEFFLER GOES BACK-TO-BACK AT “THE PEOPLE’S OPEN”

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What a finish in the desert! The 2023 WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison came to an exciting conclusion with thousands of fans who will be fashionably late to their Super Bowl parties. Your 2023 champion is none other than Scottie Scheffler who became the seventh player to successfully defend their WM Phoenix Open title, joining a few golf legends like Johnny Miller, Arnold Palmer and Ben Hogan.

Scheffler capped off his final round with a bogey-free, 6-under 65 to secure his fifth PGA TOUR victory, two shots clear of challenger Nick Taylor. And just for good measure, with the victory at TPC Scottsdale, Scheffler recaptured the world No. 1 ranking.

“I knew going into today it was going to be a tough day,” said Scheffler. “Jon’s [Rahm] playing some of the best golf in the world right now. Nick’s [Taylor] a fantastic player and a proven winner out here. There were some other names on the leaderboard like Jordan [Spieth] and Xander [Schauffele]. There were a lot of guys up there. I knew it was going to take a great round. Nobody was going to give this golf tournament to me. I had to go out and earn it. I was definitely proud of the result.”

On behalf of The Thunderbirds, title sponsor WM and the PGA TOUR, the WM Phoenix Open would like to extend an enormous thank you to our volunteers and, of course, the very best fans in golf. Thank you for an outstanding tournament! We’ll see you next year at “The People’s Open!”

THUNDERBIRDS CHARITIES DONATES MORE THAN $2.4 MILLION TO LOCAL VALLEY CHARITIES DURING FALL FUNDING CYCLE

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Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – awarded more than $2.4 million in grants to 60 Valley charities during its 2022 Fall funding cycle. Some of the largest grants were $225,000 to Homeward Bound, $133,000 to Central Arizona Shelter Services Inc, $100,000 to Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, $100,000 to ICAN and a $50,000 grant to Dress for Success Phoenix’s Mobile Career Center.

With the 2022 Fall funding cycle complete, Thunderbirds Charities has now opened its 2023 Spring funding cycle. Information about the Spring funding cycle can be found at www.ThunderbirdsCharities.org.

“This is by far the best part of being a Thunderbird, to give back in a big way to our local communities,” said Dr. Michael Golding, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds. “We are so fortunate to be able to help in any way we can and support our communities in such an impactful way.”

With the help from Thunderbirds Charities, Homeward Bound will be able to facilitate wrap-around services to existing families on Thunderbirds Family Village campus, along with housing navigation services to obtain sustainable housing in the Phoenix metro area. Grant funds will be directed to the shelter component of the program, including the staff, expertise, and momentum needed to respond to the increase in families experiencing homelessness and the critical need for safe shelter as part of a continuum of care. Funds will also support the housing navigation staff, who work with client families to find and secure permanent housing, access available assistance, and provide landlord mediation.

The $133,000 grant to Central Arizona Shelter Services Inc. will renovate the reception and client service areas of their Vista Colina Family Shelter. The “Thunderbirds Charities Family Welcome Center” would incorporate a warm, friendly, and trauma-informed design, creating a safe and inviting space for children and families to take the first step to ending their homelessness.

Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) $100,000 grant will go towards the creation of a Community Health Center.   ACBVI is addressing the healthcare equity needs for their highly vulnerable client population and the surrounding community, by bringing a Community Health Center to their campus.  This will provide an array of services including case management, primary care, behavioral health, care coordination, pharmacy, and substance abuse treatment.

ICAN was awarded $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to support their highly impactful and award-winning Positive Youth Development Program, serving youth ages 5-18 years old. This free, year-round out-of-school programming serves vulnerable youth who are under-performing academically and impacts the economic mobility of families by allowing parents and caregivers to work undisrupted. ICAN expanded recently to two, Title I elementary schools in Mesa, increasing the number of youths served by 30%.  The critical youth skills program includes Learning Skills (collaboration, communication), Literacy Skills (STEM), and Life Skills (social-emotional learning). Youth receive nutritious meals, academic support, S.T.E.A.M. activities, structured sports, and recreation.

Dress for Success Phoenix’s Mobile Career Center (MCC) travels throughout Maricopa County to deliver job-readiness training, resources, and services to low-income women and youth who are hindered by transportation and/or geographical barriers. The MCC equips clients with the necessary tools to secure meaningful employment, such as interview apparel, resume and cover letter assistance, and career consultations.  With the $50,000 grant, an addition of a Mobile Teen Workforce Career Center vehicle will deliver crucial professional development resources and services to vulnerable youth.

 

Additional grants awarded from the Fall 2022 cycle:

Act One FoundationField Trip Programs$25,000
Agua Fria Food And Clothing Bank IncEmergency Food Program$30,000
Almost Famous Theatre Company FoundationYouth Programming$5,000
American Red Cross SW StatesSickle Cell Initiative and Minority-focused Blood Drives$20,000
Arizona Burn FoundationH.O.P.E. Services$50,000
Arizona Center For The Blind And Visually ImpairedCommunity Health Center$100,000
Arizona Educational Foundation IncArizona Spelling Bee$25,000
Arizona Outdoor AdventuresOutdoor Kitchen Reno$5,000
Arouet FoundationEconomic Opportunity Center$25,000
Barrow Neurological FoundationWheelchair Accessible Vehicle for Neuro-Rehab Center$50,000
Be A Leader FoundationBe A Leader Pipeline of Postsecondary Access and Success Programs$75,000
Be Kind People Project FoundationAT-RISK YOUTH Programming$50,000
Billys Place IncYouth Grief Support Services$10,000
Bloom365Youth Violence Intervention and Prevention Project (Y-VIPP) School-Based Intervention and Enrollment Specialist$12,500
Bridges Reentry, Inc.Beyond the Gates Mentoring$20,000
Central Arizona Shelter Services IncThunderbirds Charities Family Welcome Center$133,000
Childsplay IncIn-School Performance Program$25,000
College BoundAdopt A Student Program$5,000
Desert Voices Oral Learning CenterSLPs Help Children Achieve Their Language Goals$80,000
Dress For Success PhoenixMobile Teen Workforce Initiative Career Center$50,000
ElaineTransportation Assistance Program$30,000
Esperanca IncChildren’s Oral Health Education Program$35,000
Family Promise-Greater PhoenixA Journey Home$100,000
Feeding MattersArizona Grassroots Outreach, Education, and Support Initiative$40,000
Free Arts For Abused Children Of ArizonaPrograms for Children$12,500
Fresh Start Women’s FoundationFamily Law Support for Women in the Phoenix Metro$100,000
Future For KidsSTEAM Coordinator and Mobile Lab$15,000
G RoadG Road Transportation for After-School Programming$30,000
GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix, LLCGiGiFIT Program Growth and Studio Expansion$35,000
Homeward BoundShelter and Community Services$225,000
House Of Refuge IncAdopt a Home$15,000
House Of Refuge Sunnyslope IncCampus Expansion Project$50,000
Hushabye NurseryOpioid Crisis: Direct Patient Care$100,000
ICAN: Positive Programs for YouthPositive Youth Development Program$100,000
Impactone Breast Cancer FoundationHope Box Program$10,000
Live and LearnEconomic Empowerment for Women$25,000
Meals of JoySenior Meals$25,000
Mesa Arts Center FoundationMABEL: The Mobile Arts Based Community Engagement Lab$10,000
Harvest Compassion CenterWest Valley Location$40,000
New Pathways for YouthHolistic Youth Transformation Program$40,000
Open Table, Inc.Preschool Initiative$50,000
Phoenix Conservatory Of MusicCollege Preparatory Program$10,000
Phoenix Performing Arts Center IncArizona Wolf Trap$10,000
Positive Coaching Alliance ArizonaCreating A Positive Sports & Youth Development$50,000
Raising Special KidsNavigation, Coaching Support-4-Families for Children Birth-5 with Disabilities$25,000
Read Better Be BetterAfterschool Literacy Program$30,000
Ronald McDonald House Charities of PhoenixKeeping Families Together Program$30,000
Ryan HouseSponsor-A-Stay for Children & Garden Reno$50,000
Save The Family Foundation Of ArizonaHomeless Families Intervention Project$100,000
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)Cultural Connections Through the Arts$5,000
Sounds AcademyComprehensive Youth Music Program$5,000
Step-Student Expedition Program IncCollege-Prep Program$25,000
Summer Youth Program Fund  SYPF2023 Summer Youth Programming$50,000
The Centers for Habilitation/TCHP.A.S.S. Program (Participation, Accessibility, Socialization, Sports)$10,000
The Opportunity TreeMakerSpace for Youth in Avondale$25,000
Upward FoundationChild Care Center$20,000
Valley Youth TheatreLiteracy and the Arts$10,000
Veterans Furniture CenterHousehold Furniture$35,000
Veterans Heritage ProjectSince You Asked$10,000
Zion InstituteThe Well Mental Health Services$50,000