Thunderbirds Charities Announces Historic $1 Million Investment in Youth Leadership Development Through Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
February 8, 2025
PHOENIX, AZ – Thunderbirds Charities and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ) today announced the creation of the Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy, supported by a transformative $1 million investment that marks one of the largest single commitments to youth leadership development in the organization’s history. This groundbreaking initiative will impact more than 12,000 young people across the Valley through comprehensive sports programs, leadership training, and community service opportunities.
“For more than five decades, Thunderbirds Charities has walked hand in hand with Boys & Girls Clubs, and today we’re taking that partnership to an unprecedented level,” said George Thimsen, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds. “This investment reflects our commitment to developing the next generation of servant leaders who will shape the future of our community. The Leadership Academy represents everything the Thunderbirds stand for – turning sporting excellence into lasting community impact.”
The Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy will provide Valley youth with access to character-building sports programs, volunteer opportunities, and character building programs. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants develop not only leadership skills but also a deep commitment to community service that reflects the Thunderbirds’ legacy of giving back.
“This historic investment from Thunderbirds Charities will fundamentally transform how we develop young leaders across the Valley,” said Marcia Mintz, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley. “The Leadership Academy builds on our long-standing partnership to create a new model for youth development that combines sports, service, and leadership training. We’re grateful to the Thunderbirds for their vision and commitment to building tomorrow’s leaders today.”
The Academy will operate across multiple Boys & Girls Clubs locations throughout the Valley and in their regional locations in Yuma and Kingman, ensuring broad access to leadership development opportunities for youth from diverse communities. Programs will include organized sports leagues, leadership workshops, mentoring programs, and community service projects.
Thunderbirds Charities has been a cornerstone supporter of youth development initiatives in the Valley, with this investment representing a significant expansion of their commitment to creating lasting community impact through strategic partnerships.
For more information about the Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy or Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, visit bgcaz.org.
About Thunderbirds Charities Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona that assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities. More information on Thunderbirds Charities is available at www.thunderbirdscharities.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley offers affordable after-school and summer programs for 12,000+ young people in grades K-12. At Clubs across the Valley and regional Arizona, BGCAZ provides award-winning programs designed to change the lives of young people. For more information: visit www.bgcaz.org.
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