Fiesta Bowl Charities has donated $25,000 to provide financial support to eight programs: Bravery Bags, Weekly Mentoring Program, Professional Artist Series, Free Arts Day, Camp Series, Foster Family Program, Alumni Program and Healing Racial Trauma Through the Arts. Free Arts plans to reach nearly 5,000 children in Maricopa County with these funds.

“We’re very appreciative of the Fiesta Bowl’s gift,” said Alicia Sutton Campbell, executive director, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. “We know the children we serve need arts and mentoring to cope with the trauma they have experienced. By participating in Free Arts programs, children can build resilience and hope, develop self-efficacy, acquire skills, express themselves, and feel safe.”

Every year, over 78,600 children in Arizona experience abuse, neglect, and homelessness. In 2021, Kids Count Data Book, Arizona ranked 40th in the U.S. in child well-being with 19% of children living in poverty. According to the Arizona Department of Child Safety, 14,022 children live in foster care as of Dec. 31, 2021. Research shows a child’s resilience increases through arts education, active skill building and supportive relationships with adults.

Campbell added, “That’s why Free Arts programs address the child welfare crisis in Arizona by helping children foster trusting relationships with caring adults through the creative activities that develop their skills and sense of self.”

To learn more about Free Arts programs, visit: http://www.freeartsaz.org.

About Fiesta Bowl
Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Learn more at http://www.FiestaBowl.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on Twitter.

About Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
Founded in 1993, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona is a non-profit organization which transforms children’s trauma to resilience through the arts. Free Arts programs include creative elements that promote safety, self-expression and a sense of belonging. Free Arts programs are delivered by 900 volunteer mentors and artists who serve more than 8,000 children annually through partnerships with 43 social service child welfare agencies at 100+ sites across Maricopa County. For more information on Free Arts, visit: http://www.freeartsaz.org.