Thunderbirds Charities recently awarded Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona with a $12,500 grant to support programs for children who have experienced the trauma of abuse, homelessness, or neglect.

Funds from the grant will be used to support a variety of programs, including the Professional Art Series which gives children an opportunity to learn art from a professional teaching artist while building confidence in their skills, the Camp Series where children attend week-long day camps to explore their personal stories, and Free Arts Days that bring children from different social service agencies come together at an arts and culture venue for a day of intentional art activities with adult volunteer mentors. The Weekly Mentor Program, Alumni Program, Free Arts Family Program, and Bravery Bags will also benefit from the grant, helping children build trusting relationships, develop practical and academic skills, and receive pre-packaged activities for those with limited access to our programs.

“We are delighted to continue supporting Free Arts mission,” said Michael Golding, President of Thunderbird Charities. “They are providing important and therapeutic work to children in our community. Each year, they positively impact children with their programs and provide them with a way to express themselves and connect with a volunteer mentor.”

About Thunderbirds Charities
Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the WM Phoenix Open. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. 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 285 “life” members. For more information about The Thunderbirds or the 2023 WM Phoenix Open, visit http://www.wmphoenixopen.com. For more information on the Thunderbirds Charities, visit http://www.thunderbirdscharities.org.

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