News

There have been a number of changes at the Phoenix Art Museum under the leadership of Amanda Cruz and her team, starting with the Teen Engagement Initiative, a program that offers a community alternative  for safe programming for teenagers and a place to hang out and express themselves.  Thunderbirds Charities has been instrumental in this program from the beginning, and are proud to see all of the great things happening at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Thunderbirds Charities has been supportive of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation for more than 10 years and recently gifted $280,000 to help with major renovations to the Women’s Resource Center in downtown Phoenix.

Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – announced a $250,000 contribution to the Valley of the Sun YMCA to support the Y’s Water Safety, Day Camp, Afterschool and Resident Camp Quality Improvement and Outreach Enhancements.

This month’s Charity spotlight focuses on Girls on the Run, a program for girls in grades 3rd - 8th that helps to inspire participants to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind.  Trained coaches lead small teams through the research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games.

Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix – awarded more than $2.9 million in grants to 55 Valley charities during its spring funding cycle. Most notably, Thunderbirds Charities granted $300,000 to UMOM New Day Centers, $250,000 to VOS YMCA, $150,000 to Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) and $80,000 to Desert Voices Oral Learning Center.

The Thunderbirds have had a long-lasting partnership with Girl Scouts — Arizona Cactus-Pine (GSACPC) and have supported many of the organization’s wonderful projects and initiatives.  Most recently, The Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities donated $125,000 to support Family Engagement Efforts in the South Phoenix community at the Leadership Center for Girls and Women at South Mountain.