2023-24 SEASON
COMMUNITY
IMPACT
REPORT
FIESTA BOWL
CHARITIES
OUR
MISSION
Fiesta Bowl Charities is committed to
enhancing organizations that contribute
to the success of their communities
through youth, sports and education.
The Fiesta Bowl is dedicated to providing premier college football bowl experiences and local events that serve as economic drivers for Arizona and provide charitable resources for our community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The guiding force behind the Fiesta Bowl Organization and its continued success as a pillar of the community
is its Board of Directors. These volunteer leaders set the standard of governance by advising on strategic
initiatives, implementing policies, regulating finances and determining the Bowl's strong future direction.
Randal Norton*
Ray Artigue
Patrick Barkley
Brian Bednar
Judy Bernas
Tim Brown
Dave Dorward
Ed Erhardt
Mark Fast
Marchelle Franklin
Harry Garewal
Bryce Hancock
Gary Hanson
Jim Hatfield
Kelly Mero
Tom O'Malley
John Rawicz
Don Reese
Dawn Rogers
Rachel Sacco
Denise Seomin
Gene Smith
Jeff Smith
Nick Smith
Brent Stoddard
Mike Wilcox
Glenn Wong
*Chair of the Board of Directors
WELCOME
For more than 50 years, the Fiesta Bowl Organization has been a staple in our community,
best known for premier world-class experiences through our Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and
Guaranteed Rate Bowl. However, the organization's mission and impact go far beyond
these memorable experiences.
The heartbeat of our organization is a deep commitment to the community, demonstrated
every day through charitable giving, legacy projects and events that improve communities
across the entire state of Arizona.
Fiesta Bowl Charities continued to deliver on our mission by positively impacting over
one million Arizonans in the areas of youth, sports and education. Our initiatives included
$1.25 million to 500 Arizona teachers through the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes
for Teachers, providing support to 20 nonprofits through our Grant Cycle and donating
the Guaranteed Rate Bowl field to Fighter Country Foundation at Luke Air Force Base.
This Community Impact Report brings home the stories of our impact from all corners of
the state. None of this would be possible without the unwavering commitment to service
and impact from our Board of Directors, Yellow Jacket Committee, Ambassadors, volunteers,
staff and corporate and community partners.
They say by being a team that Together Everyone Achieves More and we are here to show you how
we achieved for Arizonans across the state. Thank you for your support and another great year!
FIESTA BOWL FAMILY
STAFF
Fiesta Bowl staff brings a strong commitment to our organization's mission, excellence and community service. Our staff members
are the heart and soul of the Fiesta Bowl, embodying our values
of integrity, hospitality and excellence in all that they do. Through hard work, dedication and relentless pursuit of impact, our staff members are instrumental in ensuring our Bowl games, events
and community efforts positively impact the Arizona community.
SEASONAL ASSOCIATES
Erik A. Moses*
Sandra Avila
Noah Blair
Kristina Chumpol
Liz Clifford
Tony Econ
Tim Gleason
Nickell Grant
Emily Holden
Stayson Isobe
Scott Leightman
Allison Mertz
Chris Montgomery
Dan Newhart
Lenny Paoletta
Kyle Schwulst
Hope M. Sharett
Baily Strauss
Pete Vazquez
Suzie Warren
Billy Welsh
Cindy Whippo
Jennifer Williams
Makayla Wolf
Tanner Zambito
Saira Costo
Mason Donkersley
Tom Mero
Conor McCarvel
Jeremy Olenyn
Theresa Palmquist
Ben Pike
Johnny Torres
Tony Welch
Will Winter
*Executive Director & CEO
FIESTA BOWL FAMILY
YELLOW JACKET COMMITTEE
The Yellow Jacket Committee is a team of community leaders who dedicate their
time and effort to fundraising and helping stage all events year-round. Through their commitment and leadership, they help execute Fiesta Bowl events, achieve charitable giving efforts and positively impact the Arizona community.
Tim Newquist*
Bob Aggarwal
Jonathan Amato
Jeffrey Anderson
Eric Barkyoumb
Scott Bernstein
Warren Black
Bryan Boyer
Damon Boze
Justin Bretag
Robert Bridge
Lindsay Brist
Taylor Burgoon
Benjamin Burke
Jake Butterfield
Joe Cafferelli
Walker Crowson
Steven Davis
Patrick Davis
Brian Debnam
Ryan Delaney
Jon Drago
Adam Fielding
Kirk Fonfara
Ben Fredlake
Adam Fullerton
Chris Gracey
Jeff Gallego
Brian Garcia-Larson
Darius Green
Brian Gubernick
Kirk Harbaugh
Gabriel Hartsell
Amy Harvath
Ryan Hatch
Brandon Hebert
Renee Higgs
Joe Hourigan
Randle House
Karen Howard
Chad Hunter
William Jaffe
Danny Johnson
JJ Joppru
Patrick Joyce
Raj Kapur
Jim Kebert
Nick Kieffer
John Knebel
Casey Koziol
Lucas Kraut
Steve Kruczek
Patrick Kurish
James Kuykendall
David Lane
Jonathan Levin
Mike Lindsley
Jake Logan
David Lucas II
Tim Martin
Ty Martin
Elroy Masters
Tim McBride
Kirk McClure
Michael McLeran
Kyle McMillian
Craig Mercure
John Meza
Brett Miller
Brian Moll
Brad Morin
Mike Muraco
Justin Naber
Gary Naquin
Barry Nelson
Suzanne Nelson
Ed Olsen
Brian O'Malley
Jerry Pence
Ryan Penniman
Kelly Peru
Ramey Peru
Shane Peterlin
Calvin Platten
Tim Potter
Charles Pray
Carlos Ramirez
Michael Rossman
Bryan Royal
Grant Sanders
Richie Schmock
Logan Senoski
Davina Seville
Andrew Shultz
Phil Skiba
Brad Smidt
Ben Smith
Samantha Spadaro
Greg Stark
Max Starks
Jim Stevens
Joe Strening
Jennifer Swanton
David Tatko
Danny Thielen
Oye Waddell
Sean Ward
Josh Wein
David Weissman
Andrew Western
Antone White
Larry White
Rick Zieglowsky
Frank Zimmerman
*Yellow Jacket Committee Chair
FIESTA BOWL FAMILY
AMBASSADORS
Our Ambassadors provide a first-class experience for all who participate in Fiesta Bowl events. Throughout the year, the Ambassadors support the organization at events and community outreach opportunities across the state of Arizona and at our Guaranteed Rate Bowl and Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
ACTIVE AMBASSADORS
Wendy Manning*
Julie Angle
Pauline Argeros
Nicole Barrington
Kyla Braker
Karen Casassa
Allison Chafin
Donna Cooper
Lora Dal Bo
Vicki Fiorelli
Julia Fischer
Mary Gleason
Joanne Goldberg
Terri Hall
Laura Hardy
Leslee Herzstein
Samantha Johnson
Jodi Kavis
Kim Kennedy
Susanna Martinez
Erin McCormick
Ambreiah Mims
William Ng
Ronda Parker
Irma Prescott
Gail Reed
Linda Rondeau
Deborah Ross-Carter
Ashleigh Schufeldt
Sandra Searle
Alethea Sessions
Jasmine Singleton
Annie Vainisi
White
Emerita AMBASSADORS
Tammie Armeni
Marilyn Bechtold
Marisa Calderon
Ellen Casey
Kathleen Casey-Walker
Sally Clements
Josefina Comstock
Donna Cubillas
Lourdes D'Sylva
Laura Davis
Dennice Dunaway
Vicki Frailey
Lorraine Gentile
Judy Greene
Jennifer Harmon
Janey Haugen
Carolyn Holden
JoAnn Holland
Shelly Huckfeldt
Simone Janssen
Vera Kelly
Monica Kruck
Le Lani Forrest
Marie Larson
Kathy Leazotte
Sheryl Long
Hillary Mackowski
Debora Maloney
Kathie May
Kelly McCormick
Elaine Molski
Val Nikolaus
Jan Nowell
Sheila Perkins
Amy Peters
Carol Piowarsy
Deborah Rothstein
Sooz Rudolph
Stephanie Ruiz
Amy Schapira
Melanie Smith
Chantri Sukpon
Gayle Tanber
LaBertha Umbreit
Stephanie Van Gorder
Molly Weiss
Anna Williams
Brittany Wilson
Judith Wodash
ASSOCIATE AMBASSADORS
Kim Bruck
Seth Graham
Nadine Lemmons
Stacy Lincoln
Leslie Pinkelman
Kathy Promberger
Ginger Smith
*Ambassador Chair
VOLUNTEERISM
The Fiesta Bowl is honored to support the Arizona community all year round through volunteerism. This past season, nearly 3,000 volunteers dedicated their time to community projects throughout the state. By mobilizing the collective energy and talents of volunteers, we amplify our impact, inspire others to action and foster the spirit of community.
SPIRIT
Spirit was created from a solar flare in 1971 and
found his way to Arizona.
Bursting with energy, Spirit worked to find someone to partner with that shared in his uniqueness and helped him shine bright. Spirit heard rumblings of a new college football bowl game called the Fiesta Bowl and since he loves to be the life of the party, the Fiesta Bowl was a perfect match! However, Spirit wanted More than Just a Game. He wanted
to partner with someone who shared his passion for giving back and his values of youth, sports and education. He had found his home. Every day our mascot, Spirit, brings the same energy as the solar flare from which he came.
CHARITABLE GIVING
& LEGACY PROJECTS
2023-24 SEASON
FIESTA BOWL CHARITIES
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
FIESTA BOWL CHARITIES
GRANT CYCLE
During the 2023-24 season, Fiesta Bowl Charities supported 20
Arizona nonprofits. Each partnering organization aligns with our
mission and further impacts the Arizona community through our
pillars of youth, sports and education. Through this grant cycle, more than 470,000 youth were supported through the following nonprofits:
American Red Cross of Central and Northern Arizona
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation
Arizona Science Center
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Cartwright Elementary School District
Children's Museum Tucson
Fostering Heroes
Homeward Bound
Lions Camp Tatiyee
Manzanita Outreach
Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation
Ryan House
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Salvation Army
Treasures 4 Teachers
UMOM New Day Centers
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona
USO Arizona
Verde Valley Wheel Fun
Thanks to Fiesta Bowl Charities, our Sponsor-A-Stay respite program
continues to serve Arizona children with medically complex life-limiting
or terminal conditions and their families by providing around-the-clock
medical care at no cost to them through short stays. Your grant
enables our staff to provide pediatric palliative nursing care and
supplies needed for life-enhancing activities. For that, and so much
more, we are deeply grateful!
Tracy Leonard-Warner
Executive Director | Ryan House
UMOM has the first and only branch of Boys & Girls Club
co-located in a family homeless shelter in Arizona. Grant funds from Fiesta Bowl Charities help fund this remarkable program that serves youth while on our campus!
Ashley Oakley
Assistant Director of Foundation Relations
UMOM New Day Centers
FOOTBALL
FIELD DEDICATION
Fiesta Bowl Charities donated the field from the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl to Luke Air Force Base through Fighter Country Foundation. More than 97,000 square feet of sod and a brand-new scoreboard
were installed in partnership with BHHS Legacy Foundation and PNC Bank.
Who would have thought that a college bowl game football
field would be installed on an Active Duty Military Installation? This amazing gift was installed and will be heavily utilized by military members and families at Luke AFB for years to come.
We can't thank Fiesta Bowl Charities enough for this amazing project that they made possible.
Ron Sites
President & CEO | Fighter Country Foundation
COMMUNITY
RESOURCE ROOM
In partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Fiesta Bowl
Charities celebrated the opening of a newly-renovated Community Resource Room at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
Peach Springs Branch.
The Community Resource Room fosters a sense of connection and support designed to serve as a safe space for local youth and teens
in Peach Springs. The revamped room includes additional seating and tables for collaborative activities, a dedicated area to showcase their
art, new electronics including a television, Nintendo Switch, two virtual reality headsets and more. A 12x10 foot mural representing the Hualapai
people, The People of the Tall Pines, decorates an interior wall of the resource room, painted by Native American artist Leonard Siyuja.
The new Community Resource Room built by the Fiesta Bowl team has created a newfound sense of excitement for Club members and the Hualapai Nation. The attention to detail and celebration of the Hualapai Culture has made a significant impact. This room has benefited our local teens and the entire community, offering access to technology and a safe environment for youth to thrive.
Ivan Gilreath
President & CEO
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
ARIZONA BANK & TRUST FIESTA BOWL
KICKOFF LUNCHEON
With the beginning of college football season comes our annual Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Bowl Kickoff Luncheon. Attendees from all over the Valley joined for lunch and a presentation to kickstart the season. This year's keynote speaker featured ESPN College GameDay Analyst and Heisman Trophy Winner Desmond Howard. A portion of each table sale goes toward the Send-A-Vet, Send-A-Kid, Send-A-Teacher Community Champions program dedicated to ticket purchases for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.
PNC BANK FIESTA BOWL
PAR 3 CHALLENGE
PRESENTED BY CHAPMAN AUTOMOTIVE
The PNC Fiesta Bowl Par 3 Challenge presented by Chapman Automotive is
a scramble-style golf tournament that gives golfers the opportunity to win prizes
on every hole and compete for a chance to win one million dollars! Played at
the breathtaking Short Course at Mountain Shadows, it is one of the biggest ​fundraisers of the year with all proceeds supporting Fiesta Bowl Charities.
The Media Shootout paired eight of the Valley's high profile media personalities
with nonprofits for a closest-to-the-pin competition. Participating nonprofits
were in attendance to cheer on their golfer: Arizona Friends of Foster Children ​Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, Fostering Heroes, Homeward Bound, ​Ryan House, The Salvation Army, UMOM and United Cerebral Palsy of Central ​Arizona. Luke Lyddon from 12News had the winning shot, earning $2,000 for UCP
of Central Arizona.
As a leading national bank with local delivery, PNC is embedded in the fabric of the communities where we live,
work and play. In Arizona and throughout the country, we proudly support organizations making positive impacts in our community. Our support of Fiesta Bowl Charities initiatives, including the PNC Fiesta Bowl Par 3 Challenge, aligns with
our company values, and it's one of our most popular events. Our guests always share how much they enjoy the opportunity to not only participate in a great game but also benefit charitable organizations throughout our community.
Cathleen Walker
Regional President for Phoenix and Northern Arizona PNC Bank
SPIRIT’S
BIRTHDAY PARTY
Spirit celebrated his birthday with 14 of his best mascot
friends from all over the state, along with 220 children from
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley. The party started with a
pep rally, followed by a field day alongside Spirit and his
friends and ending with a mascot football game!
Spirit's Birthday is the event our Club members look
forward to all year long! From the pep rally with Spirit
and his mascot friends to the field day activities and
football game, the Fiesta Bowl staff, volunteers and
partners go above and beyond to create the ultimate
evening of FUN for our Club kids.
Marcia Mintz
President and CEO | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
PALO VERDE FIESTA BOWL CHARITIES
WISHES FOR TEACHERS
In its eighth year, the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes
for Teachers program increased its impact by 25% in granting
classroom wishes for 500 K-12 public and charter school teachers
across the state of Arizona. Each teacher received $2,500 for a
total of $1.25 million to purchase resources and materials that
made their classroom wishes come true.
It is an honor and a privilege for Palo Verde to connect with our community educators through the Wishes for Teachers program. Supporting the hardworking women and men that make such
a great impact on our future leaders and community members aligns perfectly with the mission and vision of our team.
Kory Raftery
External Affairs Manager | Palo Verde
Through the generosity of the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers grant, I've enhanced my classroom and
become an ambassador for educators. From the parade's
vibrant spectacle to the electrifying energy of the Fiesta Bowl,
I proudly represented the dedication and passion of teachers everywhere. This experience affirmed that investing in education
is investing in our collective future. I will be forever grateful to
the Fiesta Bowl Organization.
Hollie Bush
6th Grade, Math & Science EduPrize Schools
San Tan Valley
Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities
Wishes for Teachers
DRAFT DAY
PRESENTED BY SRP
Partners, community members, local celebrities and board members came together
to surprise Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers recipients with phone calls, video calls and classroom visits during Draft Day presented by SRP and share the exciting news that their wishes had been granted.
Having my wish granted by the Wishes for Teachers
program has been incredible. It has made me feel more appreciated and means my students can get tools that
can support them with their academic success. Thank you for granting my wish and supporting my kiddos.
Julie Brezenski
3rd & 4th Grade Special Education
Sunburst Elementary School
At SRP we are proud to continue our support for Wishes
for Teachers Draft Day, a special event that celebrates educators and provides them with essential tools for success in the classroom. SRP understands that education is key to our community's success. That's why we are dedicated to contributing more than $2 million annually to educational programs and providing free training to teachers, ensuring that Arizona students are set up for long-term success.
Stephanie Morales
Community Engagement Strategy Manager | SRP
FIESTA BOWL
FRIDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN
PRESENTED BY SUPER STAR CAR WASH
This year, the Fiesta Bowl Organization elevated youth and its football engagement
in the state of Arizona to players of all skill levels. Fiesta Bowl Friday Night Showdown presented by Super Star Car Wash featured on-site fan events, experiences and engagement every Friday night at a high school game across the Valley of the Sun, including voting to select the Fiesta Bowl Super Star of the Game.
FIESTA BOWL
LEGACY YOUTH
FOOTBALL CLINICS
As part of the deeper commitment to sports and football, Fiesta Bowl hosted three Legacy ​Football Clinics. Participants spent time learning, practicing and going through various drills.
In addition, a special guest was part of each clinic, including former NFL Super Bowl champion ​Prince Amukamara, former Arizona Cardinals players Matt Ware and Hamza Abdullah and ​World Champion Flag Football quarterback Diana Flores.
The kids from Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community ​loved to engage with athletes and coaches, deepening ​their understanding of the game. Beyond football, the clinic ​emphasized the importance of physical activity, fostering ​character development and strengthening cultural ​connections. The experience highlights the importance of ​opportunities like this, which they may not otherwise have. ​We're grateful to the Fiesta Bowl for investing in our youth.
David Willis
Community Recreational Services Athletic Manager
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
ARIZONA MILK PRODUCERS FIESTA BOWL
YOUTH FOOTBALL
CLINIC
The Fiesta Bowl Organization partnered with Arizona Milk Producers to host the annual
Youth Football Clinic. This year, there were two invite-only sessions, one tailored for girls
flag football and one for boys high school football. The clinics focused on skill development through personalized and advanced coaching and strategic training for clinic participants
to take their game to the next level.
Participants learned from college quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Jack Plummer,
plus Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa and running backs coach Autry Denson.
Arizona Milk Producers is committed to promoting health and wellness. Fiesta Bowl provides numerous fun and engaging
venues to reach our youth with nutrition and fitness messages, and the importance of dairy as a part of healthy eating habits.
We love our partnership and their dedication to the betterment
of our youth and community.
Tammy Baker
General Manager | Arizona ​Milk Producers
FIESTA BOWL CHARITIES
OPERATION SANTA
As part of the spirit of the holidays, Fiesta Bowl Charities partnered with Dick's Sporting Goods and Fighter Country Foundation to provide a $300 holiday shopping spree for 40 children from Luke Air Force Base with an active deployed parent or from a single-parent household.
Of all the events Fighter Country Foundation provides for
the military members and families at Luke Air Force Base,
Operation Santa continues to be one of our favorites. We have worked alongside Fiesta Bowl Charities for decades and they
are an example of how we like to partner with great organizations to bring programs that have substantial impact in
enhancing the quality of life for the military members on base.
Ron Sites
President & CEO | Fighter Country Foundation
Operation Santa has become an annual holiday event we most look forward to hosting. We are so grateful for the partnership we have formed with Fiesta Bowl Charities and Fighter Country Foundation. Dick's Sporting Goods is happy to help support
the incredible men and women of the military along with their families during the holiday season.
Ryan Polosky
Community Marketing Manager | Dick's Sporting Goods
Big Day for
Teachers
Fiesta Bowl Charities participated in the annual College Football Playoff ​Foundation Extra Yard for Teachers "Big Day" and honored Brittany Oddo
from Mountain Sky Jr. High School. Ms. Oddo was awarded a $1,000 ​DonorsChoose gift card to support her physical education class and students.
touchdown
for Teachers
Fiesta Bowl Charities and the College Football Playoff Foundation surprised 12 ​teachers at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl and seven teachers at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl ​with a $1,000 DonorsChoose gift card each to support their classrooms.
NACDA COMMUNITY
SERVICE AWARD
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) ​and the Fiesta Bowl presented the 2023 Community Service Award to ​Iowa State University for its Cyclones Serve Initiative.
Student-athletes volunteered over 4,500 hours of service work in the ​community, impacting thousands of lives throughout central Iowa. ​Participation in Cyclones Serve programs includes all 18 Iowa State ​Athletics sports teams.
FIESTA BOWL
KINDNESS ​ARIZONA
Fiesta Bowl hosted Kindness Arizona for the fourth year in a row with the goal ​of spreading kindness across the state of Arizona. Fiesta Bowl staff and ​volunteers came together to paint apartments at a domestic violence shelter, ​refresh a teacher lounge, pack snack boxes for teachers, donate water bottles ​for heat relief stations, plant trees and repair and restore donated bicycles.
Kindness Arizona 2024 rolled through St. Vincent de Paul and ​helped repair a whole bunch of bikes! These new wheels will ​go to folks transitioning from homelessness to housing and ​looking For transportation to and from work. Some will go to ​kids whose families might not be able to afford a quality bike. ​Fiesta Bowl Charities spreads kindness in our community all ​year long - and this approach is what makes the Fiesta Bowl ​more than just a game.
Ryan Corry
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
Our Fiesta Bowl Kindness Arizona staff lounge ​makeover has been a huge morale boost on our ​campus. It is so fun to see teachers eating lunch ​together, sitting on the couch to grade papers ​and spend time catching up. This has helped ​strengthen our sense of community at Shepherd.
Jill Benza
Principal | Shepherd Junior High School
EMPOWERING
DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
A total of $92,500 in financial awards was granted to 25 Arizona minority residents to pursue their GED or attend an ​Arizona postsecondary institution. The Empowering Diversity Scholarship supports the Fiesta Bowl organization's ​commitment to education, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Empowering Diversity scholarship has helped ​me pursue my dreams to become the first lawyer ​in my family as a third-generation college student. ​The scholarship has allowed me to envision what
I ​truly want for my future as a tribal lawyer, and ​that there is no limit as to how far I can go. ​AhÃyi'é! Thank you!
Cassandra Perez
2023 Empowering Diversity Scholarship Recipient
dream program
Fiesta Bowl partnered with the DREAM program to host four hard-working ​students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for a unique ​Vrbo Fiesta Bowl experience. Students traveled to Arizona to work alongside ​Fiesta Bowl executives and staff during the planning and execution of the Bowl ​Season games. The DREAM Program, established by Position Sports, strives to ​provide mentorship and opportunities to underserved and underrepresented ​students interested in a career in sport. Their main program supports students ​who attend or have recently graduated from HBCUs.
The Fiesta Bowl team was a shining example of what I aim to be in ​my career and my local community. They helped reaffirm my dream ​of working in the community relations sector. My group and I were
held to high standards, given responsibilities throughout our time, ​and were always encouraged to ask questions. I was able to connect ​with various stakeholders, fans, and I had the privilege of meeting ​with every department at the Fiesta Bowl to explore all of my career ​options. I am immensely grateful to the Fiesta Bowl organization. ​Thank you for the experience of a lifetime!
Zari Muhammad
2023 DREAM Foundation Student
NACDA MCLENDON
SCHOLARSHIP
Through the support of the Fiesta Bowl's endowment commitment, a ​McLendon Foundation Minority Postgraduate Scholarship is awarded ​each year to a student associated with an Arizona-based four-year ​institution. This year's recipient is Deontre Winston II, who received a ​$10,000 grant to pursue a degree from Arizona State University.
The NACDA McLendon Scholarship has broadened my wings ​in multiple ways. Through NACDA, I have been afforded a ​new community full of connections. This, along with the ​financial support to pursue higher education, has made this ​opportunity the ultimate blessing. NACDA and McLendon ​continue to pour into their communities, and their impact will ​affect the generations to come.
Deontre Winston II
Scholarship Recipient
FIESTA BOWL
PATH TO
THE SUMMIT
PRESENTED BY AECOM HUNT
For the third year, Fiesta Bowl hosted the Path to the Summit for assistant football ​coaches and athletic administrators from underrepresented groups to partake in a ​learning and networking experience with directors of athletics, head football coaches ​and other leaders who attend the Spring Summit.
Path to the Summit attendees also participated in a community service event by ​building 50 skateboards donated to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community ​for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Red Mountain Branch youth.
Skateboarding is one of the most popular sports on Native reservations. ​Many youth in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community enjoy ​skateboarding and provides them with a fun activity to participate in, also ​promoting health and fitness. Quality skateboards can be expensive so ​youth may never get to enjoy skateboarding or may have to use boards ​that break easily. The boards they received from Fiesta Bowl Charities ​can be enjoyed for years to come, will give them the opportunity to enjoy ​this growing sport AND maintain their health and fitness.
Angie DiCicco
Branch Director, Red Mountain Branch
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
Vrbo FIESTA BOWL
PARADE
PRESENTED BY LERNER & ROWE
A statewide crown jewel since its first production in the early 1970s, ​the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe honored
the Fiesta Bowl Organization's history on the traditional two-mile ​march through Central Phoenix.
This year marked the 51st edition of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade ​presented by Lerner & Rowe and the theme was Spirit of Competition. ​Honoring this year's theme, former Arizona State University and
NFL quarterback Jake Plummer and former Moon Valley High School, ​University of Arizona and NBA standout Richard Jefferson were ​honored as grand marshals.
Special guests included World Champion Flag Football quarterback ​Diana Flores and state championship football teams from the Arizona ​Interscholastic Association playoffs and their Spirit Squads.
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe Grand ​Marshal honors an individual or group whose actions align with the ​Fiesta Bowl's commitment to driving economic growth, championing ​charitable causes and executing innovative experiences.
It's not only the best way to kick
off holiday season but the best way
to kick off bowl season!
Kevin Rowe, Esq.
Founder/Partner | Lerner & Rowe
UNLV
TEAM COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT EVENT
Team Community Engagement Events are an opportunity for
student-athletes participating in our bowl games to engage and
spend time with the Arizona community.
UNLV student-athletes were paired with 35 youth from Muscular ​Dystrophy Association for a day of play at Main Event Tempe.
They enjoyed a morning of bowling, arcade games and laser tag ​around the holidays.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is thrilled to collaborate ​with Fiesta Bowl Charities. This event offers children with muscle ​disease the chance to interact with college athletes filled with ​games and bowling. As laughter and games fill the air, lasting ​memories are being made. This event boosts the confidence
of both the children and athletes. We are grateful for the ​opportunity to partner with Fiesta Bowl Charities and extend ​our thanks for making a positive impact in our community.
Sarah Levin
National Vice President, Consumer Product Services
Muscular Dystrophy Association
KANSAS
TEAM COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT EVENT
Student-athletes from the University of Kansas spent a morning ​loading Christmas meals in cars to families in need across the Valley. ​They also spent time greeting guests, playing games and spreading ​holiday cheer to guests at The Salvation Army annual Christmas dinner.
The Salvation Army is very grateful that Fiesta Bowl Charities ​annually brings college football players to serve at our Christmas ​dinner event in Phoenix. Our guests' faces light up every time
a team enters the building, and the kindness these selfless young ​men show when engaging with our guests is immeasurable.
We would like to thank the University of Kansas and Fiesta Bowl ​Charities for adding to the joy of this wonderful community event.
Lt. Colonel Ivan Wild
Divisional Commander | The Salvation Army
LIBERTY
TEAM COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT EVENT
Student-athletes from Liberty University came together to support
Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Daisy Troops by building 80 ​wagons for their Cookie Sales Program. Daisy troop members helped ​student-athletes build these wagons in an exciting competition.
From the moment the Liberty University Football team ran onto ​the concrete, giving high fives to kindergarten and first grade Girl ​Scouts, the energy was electric! The players formed teams around ​iconic Girl Scout cookie flavors and joined our youngest Girl ​Scouts who confidently directed them on building techniques and ​shared why they were excited to sell their first Girl Scout cookie.
The afternoon was filled with laughter, fist bumps, dancing and ​friendly competition, resulting in 80 cookie wagons for girls.
Alycia Elfstrom
Senior Director of Advancement
Girl Scouts, Arizona Cactus-Pine Council
As a longtime supporter of Fiesta Bowl Charities, we continue to ​be amazed by the opportunities they provide to engage our​ employees in volunteerism. Our team embraced the Fiesta Bowl​
spirit and enjoyed some healthy competition alongside the​
Liberty University athletes during the Girl Scout wagon build.​
In total, teams built 80 wagons for local Daisy Troops to use​
during cookie season, which helps them develop entrepreneurial​
and financial education skills early in life.​
Cathleen Walker
PNC Regional President | Phoenix and Northern Arizona
OREGON
TEAM COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT EVENT
University of Oregon student-athletes were paired with youth from ​special Olympics Arizona and Mikey's League for a fun afternoon of ​football skills and drills in partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance.
It was amazing to see the energy and excitement that the ​athletes from Special Olympics of Arizona and Mikey's ​League brought to the event. The University of Oregon ​players and coaches truly made this an amazing experience ​for the participants... one that I'm sure will last a lifetime.
Rich Tomey
Regional Director | Positive Coaching Alliance
It was so awesome! The Ducks were so cool! The best
part was that they hung out and played with us because ​they wanted to, not because they had to! Mikey's League ​and Fiesta Bowl Charities definitely gave me one of the best​ times of my life!​
Gray T.
Youth Member | Mikey's League
Our recent collaboration with the Oregon Ducks football team provided an ​invaluable experience for our young athletes with disabilities. Participating ​in the clinic honed their football skills and significantly boosted their
self-confidence and sense of inclusion. The enthusiastic engagement from ​the Ducks players fostered a profound sense of belonging and acceptance, ​transcending the sports field to instill a deeper sense of community and ​possibility. This experience has been transformative, reinforcing the belief ​that with dedication and support, our athletes can transcend barriers and ​achieve their full potential, both in sports and life.
Scott Freeman
Founder and Executive Director | Mikey's League
GUARANTEED RATE BOWL
It was 15 years between Bowl Season wins for Kansas football, which the ​Jayhawks earned in a high-octane 49-36 clash against UNLV at the 34th ​annual Guaranteed Rate Bowl in downtown Phoenix. The Jayhawks previous ​bowl win was a 42-21 victory over Minnesota at the Insight Bowl in Tempe's ​Sun Devil Stadium.
Under the leadership of third-year Head Coach Lance Leipold, the Jayhawks ​concluded their 2023 season with an impressive 9-4 record, marking Kansas' ​first nine-win season in 16 years.
"To see those guys have a chance to go to two consecutive bowl games, ​come up with a win – nine wins – all the different things they've been able
to experience really in the last two years is pretty special," Leipold said
after the game.
In front of 26,478 fans at Chase Field, senior quarterback and Offensive
MVP Jason Bean showcased his prowess by setting a Guaranteed Rate Bowl ​record with six touchdown passes. The Jayhawks dominated the air with
449 passing yards, nearly doubling the Rebels' total of 291.
Kenny Logan Jr., the Defensive Player of the Game, led the Jayhawks' ​defensive efforts with nine total tackles – eight solo – and one pass breakup.
Vrbo FIESTA BOWL
Making his NCAA record 61st – and final – career start, Oregon quarterback ​Bo Nix was masterful at the 53rd Annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. With Nix's ​experience and record-setting season on full display, No. 8 Oregon posted ​the largest margin of victory in Fiesta Bowl history with a 45-6 win over
No. 23 Liberty at State Farm Stadium.
"We said this season, and really this game, was about unfinished business," ​said Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning. "We said we're writing the last ​chapter to our book, and we had the pen. I thought our guys wrote a ​phenomenal chapter. Started off a little hairy, but they finished it off the
way Oregon is supposed to play. I'm really proud of these guys."
Oregon took away two of Liberty's key statistical advantages. Liberty ​entered Bowl Season with a nation-leading 21 interceptions. Oregon did
not turn the ball over. The Flames also led the country with 302.9 rushing ​yards per game, and the Ducks limited them to a season-low 168 yards on ​the ground. Oregon's third Fiesta Bowl victory in program history was in ​large part due to Nix's play.
Voted Offensive Player of the Game, Nix sliced and diced Liberty's defense ​to the tune of 363 passing yards and a Fiesta Bowl single-game record
tying five passing touchdowns. He completed 28-of-35 passes to set a new ​NCAA record for single-season completion percentage (77.45%), surpassing ​Alabama's Mac Jones, who held the previous record of 77.36% in 2020.
Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities
WISHES FOR TEACHERS SCHOOLS
Acacia Elementary School
Academy of Building Industries High School
Academy of Math and Science - Avondale
Acorn Montessori Charter School
Adobe Mountain School at AZ Department
xxxxof Juvenile Corrections
Agua Fria High School
Alhambra High School
Alta E. Butler Elementary School
Alta Vista Elementary School
Amberlea Academy
American Leadership Academy - Gilbert K-6
American Leadership Academy - Gilbert North 7-12
American Leadership Academy - Ironwood
American Leadership Academy - Queen Creek
American Leadership Academy - Signal Butte
AmeriSchools Academy - Yuma North
AmeriSchools Academy - Yuma South
Andrada Polytechnic High School
Anza Trail School
Apache Junction High School
Arete Preparatory Academy - Great Hearts
Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center -
xxxxEstrella Mountain
Arizona School for the Arts
Arizona State University Prep Polytechnic High School
Arroyo School
Arts Academy at Estrella Mountain
Asante Preparatory Academy
Ash Creek Elementary School
Aspire - Deer Valley's Online Academy
Bagdad Middle and High School
Barcelona Elementary School
Barry Goldwater High School
Basha High School
Beaver Creek School
Belen Soto Elementary School
Benchmark Preschool and Elementary School
Benson Middle School
Benson Primary School
Billy Lane Lauffer Middle School
Bioscience High School
Black Mountain Elementary
Blue Horizon Elementary School
Bogle Junior High School
Bonnie Brennan Elementary School
Borman K-8 School
Bret R. Tarver Leadership Academy
Buckeye Elementary
Buckeye Union High School
Bullhead City Middle School
C. W. McGraw Elementary School
Cactus Canyon Junior High School
Cactus View Elementary School
Camelback High School
Camelback Montessori College Preparatory/
xxxxCamelback High School
Camp Mohave Elementary School
Camp Verde Elementary School
Camp Verde Middle School
Campo Bello Elementary School
Campo Verde High School
Canyon Rim Elementary
Canyon View High School
Carl Hayden Community High School
Carmichael Elementary School
Carson Junior High School
Cartwright Elementary School
Casa Grande Middle School
Casa Grande Union High School
Casteel High School
Catalina Ventura School
Cecil Shamley School
Centennial Elementary
Centerra Mirage STEM Academy
Central High School
Cesar Chávez Elementary
Chandler High School
Chandler Traditional Academy - Freedom
Cholla Middle School
Cienega High School
Cimarron Springs Middle School
Concho School
Copper Rim Elementary School
Corona del Sol High School
Coronado Elementary School
Cortez High School
Cottonwood Community School
Cottonwood Elementary
Countryside Elementary School
Coyote Springs Elementary School
Cragin Elementary School
DeMiguel Elementary School
Desert Cove Elementary School
Desert Edge High School
Desert Meadows School
Desert Sands Middle School Academy of
xxxxMass Communication and Journalism
Desert Shadows Middle School
Desert Sonora Elementary School
Desert Springs Preparatory Elementary School
Desert Star Academy
Desert Thunder School
Desert Valley Elementary School
Desert View Elementary School
Desert Vista High School
Desert Willow Elementary School - Cave Creek
Desert Willow Elementary School - Tucson
Destiny School
Dobson Academy
Dobson High School
Dos Rios Elementary School
Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8 School
Eagle Ridge Elementary School
East Valley Institute of Technology
Echo Mountain Intermediate School
Echo Mountain Primary School
Edison Elementary School
EduPrize Schools - Gilbert
EduPrize Schools - San Tan Valley
El Mirage Elementary School
Ellsworth Elementary School
Emerson Elementary School
Empower College Prep
Encanto Elementary School
Estrella Middle School
Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary
Field Elementary School
Finley Farms Elementary
Fireside Elementary School
Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary
Franklin East Elementary School
Fremont Junior High School
Fuller Elementary School
Gila Bend Elementary School
Gilbert Classical Academy
Gilbert Elementary
Glendale American Elementary School
Glendale High School
Glenn L. Downs Social Sciences Academy
Grande Innovation Academy
Greenbrier Elementary
Greenway Elementary
Greenway High School
H.L. Suverkrup Elementary School
Heritage Academy - Gateway K-8
Heritage Academy - Laveen
Heritage Academy - Queen Creek
Heritage Elementary School - Glendale
Heritage Middle School
Highland Arts Elementary
Highland High School
Highland Lakes School
Highland Primary School
Higley Traditional Academy
Hillcrest Middle School
Holmes Elementary
Hopi Elementary School
Horizon Honors Schools
Imagine Schools - Bell Canyon
Imagine Schools - Buckeye
Imagine Schools - Cortez Park
Imagine Schools - Cortez Park Elementary School
Imagine Schools - Desert West Elementary
Imagine Schools - Desert West Middle School
Imagine Schools - East Mesa
Imagine Schools - Prep Coolidge
Imagine Schools - Prep Superstition
Imagine Schools - Prep Surprise
Imagine Schools - Rosefield
Independence High School
Inspiration Mountain School
IntelliSchool - Chandler
Ishikawa Elementary
J.B. Sutton Elementary School
J.O. Combs Middle School
Jacobson Elementary School
Joe Carlson Elementary School
John B. Wright Elementary School
John S. McCain III Elementary
Joseph P. Spracale Elementary School
Joseph Zito Elementary School
Julia Randall Elementary School
Kenilworth Elementary School
Killip Elementary School
Kings Ridge Preparatory Academy
Kingswood Elementary School
Kino Junior High School
Kiva Elementary School
La Joya Community High School
Lakeview Elementary School
Las Sendas Elementary
Leading Edge Academy - Gilbert Early College
Learning Foundation and Performing Arts - Gilbert
Lee Kornegay Intermediate School
Legacy Traditional School - East Mesa
Legacy Traditional School - Glendale
Legacy Traditional School - Maricopa
Legacy Traditional School - Mesa
Legacy Traditional School - Queen Creek
Legacy Traditional School - West Surprise
Liberty Arts Academy
Liberty Elementary School
Liberty High School
Liberty Leadership Academy
Lighthouse Academy
Linden Elementary School
Litchfield Elementary School
Littleton Elementary STEM Academy
Lone Mountain Elementary STEAM School
Lookout Mountain Elementary School
Lowell Elementary School
Lowell Junior High School
Luke Elementary School
MacArthur Elementary
Machan School
Madison Camelview Elementary
Madison Meadows Middle School
Madison No. 1 Middle School
Madrid Neighborhood School
Mansfeld Magnet Middle School
Manzanita Elementary School
Marcos de Niza High School
Maricopa Institute of Technology
Marionneaux Elementary School
Marshall Ranch Elementary School
Maryvale Preparatory Academy - Great Hearts
Maurice C. Cash Elementary School
Mayer Elementary School
McClintock High School
Mendoza Elementary
Mesquite Elementary School
Mesquite Junior High
Metro Tech High School
Mica Mountain High School
Mile High Middle School
Miles Exploratory Learning Center
Mirage Elementary
Mission Heights Preparatory High School
Mitchell Elementary School
Mohave Accelerated Schools - Bullhead City
Mohave Valley Connections Academy
Monte Vista School
Morris K. Udall Middle School
Mount Elden Middle School
Mountain Pointe High School
Mountain Ridge High School
Mountain Sky Junior High School
Mountain Trail Middle School
Mountain View Elementary School - Prescott Valley
Mountain View Elementary School - Surprise
Mountain View High School
Mountain View School
Moya Elementary
Nadaburg Elementary School
Nautilus Elementary School
Neely Traditional Academy
New River Elementary School
Northland Preparatory Academy
Oak Tree Elementary
O'Connor Elementary School
Ocotillo Learning Center
Odyssey Preparatory Academy - Buckeye Apache
Old Vail Middle School
P.T. Coe Elementary
Page High School
Paideia Academies - South Mountain
Palm Lane School
Palo Verde Elementary School
Palo Verde Middle School
Palomino Intermediate School
Pan-American Charter School
Paradise Valley High School
Park Meadows Elementary School
Patterson Elementary
Paul Huber Middle School
Payson Elementary School
Payson High School
Payson High School - Center for Success
Pensar Academy
Perry High School
Phoenix Coding Academy
Picacho School
Pima County JTED - Camino Seco
Pinnacle High School
Porter Elementary School
Puente de Hózhó Elementary School
Quail Run Elementary School
Rancho Gabriela Elementary School
Raúl H. Castro Academy of Fine Arts
Red Mountain High School
Rice Elementary School
Riverside Traditional School
Rogers Ranch School
Round Valley Middle School
Ruth Fisher Middle School
Sahuarita High School
Sahuaro Elementary School
San Luis Middle School
San Simon Unified Schools
Sandra Day O'Connor High School
Santa Fe Elementary School
Santa Maria Middle School
Sedona Red Rock Jr. Sr. High School
Sequoia Pathfinder Academy at
xxxxVerrado Way and I-10 Elementary
Sequoya Elementary School
Settler's Point Elementary
Sevilla West Elementary School
Shadow Ridge High School
Shaw Butte Elementary School
Shepherd Junior High School
Sierra 2-8 School
Sierra Linda High School
Sierra Verde STEAM Academy
Silver Valley Elementary School
Sinagua Middle School
Sirrine Montessori Center
Skyline High School
Snowflake High School
Sonoran Heights Middle School
Sonoran Science Academy - Peoria
Sonoran Science Academy - Tucson
South Phoenix Prep and Arts Academy
South Valley Junior High
Southwest Junior High School
St. David Unified Schools
Stapley Junior High School
Steven R. Jasinski Elementary School
Stevenson Elementary
Summit Academy
Sunburst Elementary School
Sunnyslope High School
Sunrise Middle School
Sunset Heights Elementary School
Superstition High School
Surprise Elementary School
Sweetwater School
Taft Elementary
Tanque Verde High School
Taylor Elementary School
Taylor Junior High School
Tempe High School
Terramar Academy of the Arts
The Creighton Academy
The Grande Innovation Academy
The Odyssey Institute for Advanced
xxxxand International Studies
Tillman Middle School
Tonopah Valley High School
Trivium Preparatory Academy - Great Hearts
Twin Peaks K-8
Val Vista Academy
Valley High School
Verrado Heritage Elementary School
Verrado Middle School
Village Meadows Elementary School
Wakefield Middle School
Washington High School
Webster Elementary
Weinberg Gifted Academy
West Point High School
Western Sky Middle School
Westview High School
Westwood High School
Whipple Ranch Elementary School
Whitman Elementary
Wickenburg High School
Willcox Elementary School
Winslow High School
Wood Elementary School
Young Scholar's Academy
Zaharis Elementary School
Zuni Hills Elementary School
