PHOENIX – Valley non-profit, Anthony Bates Foundation, has been named the 2016 Phoenix Suns Charities’ “Charity Challenge” winner, after being selected during an on-court drawing at tonight’s Suns-Miami Heat game. As the winner, the Anthony Bates Foundation will receive a $25,000 grant from Phoenix Suns Charities. Video from tonight’s presentation can be downloaded via the following link: 2016 CHARITY CHALLENGE WINNER
Throughout the first half of the Suns season, local non-profit organizations that serve children and families in Arizona were encouraged to apply for this year’s “Charity Challenge” program, which began with the organizations selecting Suns games they wanted to attend between November 4 and January 6. Organizations requested tickets in blocks of 50, and became eligible for tonight’s drawing by maintaining a show rate of 90 percent or greater at their respective game. The Suns donated nearly 9,000 tickets to 70 local non-profits over the course of the program.
Representatives from each of the qualifying non-profits were joined by Suns President Jason Rowley, Phoenix Suns Charities Executive Director Sarah Krahenbuhl and the Suns Gorilla for tonight’s on-court recognition. In addition to receiving the $25,000 grant, Suns representatives will visit the Anthony Bates Foundation at a later date to highlight the great work the organization does and how the grant will be used to improve the community.
Suns Charities has been focused on making our community a better place since 1988. Since its inception, Phoenix Suns Charities has invested more than $17 million in our community. The Suns’ philanthropic arm enjoyed another strong year in 2015, raising more than $1.1 million for Arizona non-profits.