Fiesta Bowl Charities has awarded The Assistance League® of Phoenix a $50,000 grant to support their Operation School Bell program. The Delivering Dreams Bus is the mobile unit of Operation School Bell®, the signature program of Assistance League® of Phoenix, that will provide wardrobe packages for over 11,000 students in need this school year.
“Fiesta Bowl has been an incredible partner and we’re so honored to receive a grant to support our Operation School Bell program, “said Aimee Runyon, CEO of Assistance League of Phoenix®. “We added twenty new schools from our waitlist this year and are looking forward to reaching even more students in need. The pandemic and inflation have caused a greater need in our community, and we are thankful for partners like Fiesta Bowl, who are helping us to serve more children and ensure they have clothes that fit, are durable, and contribute to a positive sense of self-esteem.”
Assistance League of Phoenix and Fiesta Bowl have also designed an exclusive Fiesta Bowl high-top shoe that will debut this fall for kids served on the Delivering Dreams Bus
Assistance League of Phoenix partners with more than 130 Title I schools throughout the year. Each school can select up to 100 children who qualify for the program (students on the free or reduced lunch program). Operation School Bell’s 40ft Delivering Dreams Buses have been retrofitted into mobile dressing centers that bring the program directly to schools. The buses are filled with racks of clothing and shoes, along with private dressing rooms. Volunteers help each child select clothing and ensure that clothes and shoes fit properly. Each student receives a bundle of items valued at approximately $250 and includes two bottoms, three tops, six pair of socks, six underwear, a sweatshirt, belt, a pair of shoes, a new book, and a personalized health kit full of hygiene items.
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 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.
Assistance League of Phoenix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been serving the Phoenix area for 60 years. The organization has 130 members and 350 community/corporate volunteers and is affiliated with a national Assistance League with 120 chapters nationwide. Last year, Assistance League of Phoenix members volunteered over 26,000 hours and raised $2 million to serve over 20,000 children in the greater Phoenix community.
