40 Valley Youth with a Deployed Parent Participate in Special Holiday Shopping Spree for Operation Santa

Scottsdale’s own Fiesta Bowl Charities partnered with Dick’s Sporting Goods to provide 40 Valley children who have a parent deployed in active military service a holiday shopping spree. These 40 children were selected through the Fighter Country Foundation, a local organization that focuses on the supporting programs and services at Luke Air Force Base that aid, support and honor Airmen and their families. Participating youth were given a $300 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card and paired with a Fiesta Bowl volunteer to assist with shopping for holiday gifts. In addition to the shopping spree, children also enjoyed dinner provided by Rudy’s BBQ and received an Operation Santa t-shirt.

“We’re so thankful to Dick’s and Fighter Country for helping us provide this experience every year to families that make the ultimate sacrifice,” said Kristina Chumpol, Senior Director of Community Relations at the Fiesta Bowl. “We love spreading the holiday cheer to these kids, and you can see their eyes pop with excitement as they bounce from section to section!”

Since 2006, Fighter Country Foundation has been the leading support and advocacy group for the Luke Air Force Base community and in the Valley of the Sun. Partnering with the Fighter Country Foundation allows Fiesta Bowl Charities to further its goal of supporting Arizona’s youth.

The Fiesta Bowl and Fighter Country Foundation are proud to have the opportunity to provide a day of holiday cheer to these children and their families who already sacrifice so much.

About the Fiesta Bowl Organization

Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education.

Photos courtesy of Jon Mouer