Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
Advance Community has been awarded a $35,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its I Choose Wellness program.
Thunderbirds Charities is the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open.
The I Choose Wellness program empowers Latino youth in grades 4–8 from under-resourced communities by delivering culturally relevant education focused on nutrition, physical activity, and oral health, according to a press release.
Designed to combat disproportionately high rates of childhood obesity, the program encourages youth to adopt healthier habits that can last a lifetime — laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient communities. The initiative includes 10 program series, each made up of eight interactive sessions, hosted at Title 1 schools and community centers across Latino neighborhoods in the Valley, the release states.
“We are thrilled to once again be the recipient of a Thunderbirds Charities grant,” said Jeri Royce, president and CEO of Advance Community. “This grant enables us to bring critical wellness education directly into the communities that need it most. It’s about more than just information—it’s about giving kids the tools and confidence to take charge of their health now and into the future.”
