Funds will be used for a cargo van to service Clubs and transport
program supplies to 27 Club locations
PHOENIX (March 1, 2022) – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ) is getting a lift from Thunderbirds Charities in the form of a $50,000 grant. The funds will be used for a much-needed cargo van to transport program supplies to thousands of kids and make facility improvements at the Clubs’ 27 locations.
“The Thunderbirds have a rich history of investing our community,” said Scott Jenkins, president of Thunderbird Charities. “We are pleased to assist Boys & Girls Clubs who are working to make a positive difference in developing our youth by providing safe and reliable transportation.”
The cargo van is critical, according to Marcia Mintz, CEO of BGCAZ, “because our facilities technicians log hundreds of miles on Valley roadways every day to serve our Clubs. This new van will allow us to serve the Clubs by region, saving time, gas, and wear and tear.”
In addition to delivering supplies, the technicians visit the Clubs to handle maintenance repairs, replace batteries in the Clubs’ buses, and more.
The 2022 Chevrolet Express cargo van will be adorned with custom-designed logos featuring the Thunderbirds Charities branding. “It is our way of reminding the community of the generous contributions Thunderbirds Charities makes to so many nonprofits in Arizona each year,” Mintz said.
About The Thunderbirds/Thunderbirds Charities
Established in 1986, Thunderbirds Charities is the charitable arm of The Thunderbirds, whose purpose is to grant the funds generated by the WM Phoenix Open. Thirty-four years later, the mission of Thunderbirds Charities remains the same; to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Each year Thunderbirds Charities accepts grant proposals that support at-risk youth & families, community outreach/quality of life, education, improving the lives of the physically and mentally challenged and working to eliminate domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty. 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. For more information on the Thunderbirds or Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley offers affordable after-school and summer programs for more than 13,000 young people in grades K-12. At Clubs across the Valley, BGCAZ provides award-winning programs designed to change the lives of young people. For over 75 years, BGCAZ has been creating equity and opportunity for youth through academic, social, and workforce opportunities. We help young people make healthy decisions and focus on social and emotional development to build resilient young adults. Most importantly, we work to develop strong character and leadership skills by creating positive connections to caring adults and their communities. For more information: visit bgcaz.org.
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