AHS Receives $30,000 Thunderbirds Charities Grant For New Papago Park Campus

The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) announced today that it received a $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to help support its Capital Campaign. The gift to name AHS’ Education and Outreach space at its new Rob & Melani Walton Papago Park Campus, a state-of-the-art facility set to open in early 2023, will be an integral part in continuing to create a stronger system of care for homeless pets throughout the state while combating overpopulation and keeping more pets in homes.

AHS’ Education and Outreach team positively impacts 300,000 pet lovers through community events and programs each year, with a particular focus on teaching children about compassion towards animals, responsible pet ownership and STEM careers in animal welfare. In an effort to continue expanding its education programs, this gift will allow the new campus to house three multipurpose rooms and one classroom, which will help AHS reach more students through fun, engaging and interactive programs year-round. There will also be a public viewing area into the lives of AHS’ Education and Outreach team’s incredible “Animal Teachers,” comprised of small mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians who assume the role of ambassadors and help young animal lovers develop an appreciation and compassion for living things through interaction and up-close observation.

“We are so grateful for this generous Thunderbirds Charities gift and look forward to the lasting impact it will have on Valley youth,” said AHS Education and Outreach Manager, Shelby Erdman. “This incredible space will host more children than ever before and help AHS create a more compassionate and empathetic future for all animals while also giving children opportunities to gain leadership experience while learning about the world around them and how they can positively impact others.”

About Thunderbirds Charities
Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix. The Thunderbirds Charities Board consists of 15 board members from varying professional backgrounds. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona. 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 on the Thunderbirds or the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. For more information on the Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.