SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 · PUBLIC – Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open presented by Ak-Chin Indian Community has awarded United Food Bank (UFB) a $60,000 grant to expand its refrigerated cooler.  A matching grant from the Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation has been secured to upgrade the existing refrigeration system to improve food safety and increase capacity. These vital steps will allow UFB to distribute additional fresh food offerings such as fruits, vegetables, milk, dairy and protein to our agencies who help feed hungry people in our five-county service areas who don’t have enough food.

“As we work to address hunger in our region, we’re mindful of both the quantity and the nutritional quality of the foods we offer our partner agencies,” notes Dave Richins, United Food Bank President and CEO. “Our capacity for serving hungry people more nutritious food options will be greatly increased due to the generosity of the Halle Foundation and Thunderbirds charities. We cannot thank them enough for their support and generosity.”

“We are excited to be able to help with the expansion and upgrade of the refrigerated cooler system at United Food Bank,” said Andy Markham, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We’re extremely proud of this partnership with Halle Foundation. The value and benefits this project brings to the community is so impactful.”

United Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides hunger relief by collecting, acquiring, storing and distributing food and related commodities through a network of more than 200 partner social service agencies in eastern Maricopa County, Gila and Pinal Counties, and southern Apache and Navajo Counties.  Last year, UFB distributed 27.7 million pounds of food to hungry Arizonans. For more information, visit www.unitedfoodbank.org. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. 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 250 “life” members. For more information on the Thunderbirds or the 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. For more information on Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.

The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation is a collaborative charitable resource that embraces the entrepreneurial spirit in like-minded philanthropists and non-profits to propel real social change.