PROCEEDS FROM SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE WILL GO TOWARD THE THUNDERBIRDS SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The Thunderbirds, hosts of the WM Phoenix Open Presented by Taylor Morrison, announced today a partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division to offer a new Thunderbirds Charities specialty license plate.  This specialty license plate is available now through the MVD for $25 per year, with $17 of each plate sold supporting The Thunderbirds Scholars program.

Founded in 2019, The Thunderbirds Scholars program provides a full-tuition scholarship awarded each year to two deserving high school seniors who will attend either Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, or Northern Arizona University in a four-year degree program. The Thunderbirds want to help deserving students succeed and create real opportunities for a positive future for Arizona youth.

“The Thunderbirds are extremely excited to have a specialty license plate that will highlight Thunderbirds Charities and what we do in the community,” said Michael Golding, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds and President of Thunderbirds Charities.  “This is just another great way people can get involved with Thunderbirds Charities and ultimately make a bigger impact for kids in Arizona.”

For those who already have a personalized license plate but want to upgrade to The Thunderbirds specialty plate, applications for the new plate design can be filled out at an MVD office, an authorized third-party office or online at www.azmvdnow.gov. Go to www.azmvdnow.com/plates and select The Thunderbirds plate to begin. The fees are charged each year upon registration renewal. To learn visit /thunderbirds-plate/.

The 2023 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 2023 edition will mark the 88th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 14^th with WM as title sponsor.

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 who have helped the tournament eclipse $165 million in charitable giving since its inception in 1932 (through the 2021 tournament).  For more information on The Thunderbirds, visit thunderbirdscharities.org.