For more than half a century, the Tempe Diablos have demonstrated how civic pride, when paired with committed volunteer leadership, can evolve into lasting community impact. What began in the late 1960s as an effort to put Tempe on the map as a spring training destination has grown into one of the Valley’s most respected volunteer‑led philanthropic organizations, one that channels hospitality, fundraising and service into meaningful investments in education, youth and community well‑being.
The Diablos’ story begins with a bold idea. In the late 1960s, local entrepreneurs and the Tempe Chamber of Commerce sought to attract the Seattle Pilots to what would become Tempe Diablo Stadium. To support the effort, they formed a special events committee to manage Cactus League activities. That committee soon evolved into the Tempe Diablos. While its early work centered on sports hospitality, the organization quickly recognized its broader potential. By the early 1970s, the Diablos were helping establish Tempe as a premier sports destination, including playing a pivotal role in elevating the Fiesta Bowl’s reputation for exceptional hosting and community engagement.
As Tempe grew, so did the Diablos’ vision. In 1977, the organization launched the Diablo Scholarship Program, marking a defining shift toward philanthropy as a core priority. What began as a small initiative has become a cornerstone of the Diablos’ mission, representing a $240,000 annual investment in local students. “Our mission has always been about creating opportunities that strengthen Tempe,” says Vince Vasquez, president of the Tempe Diablos. “Every dollar we raise and every hour we volunteer reflects our commitment to education, youth and community development.”
That commitment is carried out through Tempe Diablos Charities, the organization’s charitable arm. Since 1968, the Diablos have donated more than $20 million to local causes, with a strong emphasis on education, youth services, health and community development. In 2024 alone, more than $650,000 was distributed to more than 70 organizations, supporting everything from scholarships and tutoring programs to public safety initiatives and family support services. “Giving back isn’t just something we do; it’s who we are,” says Russ Homes, chairman of Tempe Diablos Charities. “We’re proud to invest in the people and organizations that make Tempe stronger and more connected.”
What sets the Diablos apart is its hands‑on approach. Members and volunteers are a familiar presence at Tempe Diablo Stadium during Cactus League Spring Training, serving as ushers, ticket takers and parking attendants. Their visibility reinforces a core belief: Community impact is built through consistent presence, not just financial support. Beyond the ballpark, the Diablos support programs like Excellence in Education, which honors outstanding educators, and Feed the Need, which provides Thanksgiving meals to families in Guadalupe. These initiatives reflect the organization’s commitment to meeting community needs with both resources and personal involvement.
Fundraising remains a vital engine behind this work. Ignite the Night, the Diablos’ signature annual event, blends entertainment, auctions and networking to generate critical funding for scholarships and grants. The organization continues to expand its reach, most recently joining the LPGA’s Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass as a Founding Partner. Hosting Ignite the Night alongside this global sporting event in 2026 underscores how the Diablos continues to align high‑profile partnerships with its mission to enhance the Tempe community through leadership and charitable giving.
The Diablos’ impact is also shaped by the leadership of members who serve on nonprofit boards, civic committees and community organizations throughout the Valley. Its volunteer‑driven model demonstrates how sustained engagement can create long‑term change. While the financial contributions are significant, the organization’s legacy is defined by decades of investment in people, education and opportunity, proof that when community comes first, the benefits endure.
Today, Tempe Diablos remains rooted in the same values that guided its founding: service, leadership and a deep commitment to Tempe’s future. From the ballpark to classrooms, from family support programs to major fundraising events, its work continues to strengthen the city it calls home. And as Tempe grows, the Diablos stands ready to meet new challenges with the same spirit of generosity and civic pride that has defined it for more than 50 years.
Feed the Need – A Tradition of Community Support
Each November, the Tempe Diablos helps ensure that families in Guadalupe can celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity and abundance. Through Feed the Need, volunteers distribute hundreds of holiday meal boxes filled with turkey, produce and pantry staples to households facing food insecurity.
The program reflects the Diablos’ belief that community support must be both practical and personal. Members help coordinate food sourcing, assemble boxes and deliver meals directly to families. For many volunteers, it is one of the most meaningful days of the year, a reminder that small acts of service can have a profound impact.
Feed the Need is supported through Tempe Diablos Charities and funded in part by Ignite the Night. It stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to meeting immediate needs while strengthening community connections.
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as a strategic CSR consultant for Omnicom.
