Phoenix Suns 2010-11 Media Guide - NBA Media Central

Wheelchair Suns Basketball
The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association, the Paralyzed Veterans Association and the Suns, the Wheelchair Suns compete
in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. The team has been nationally-ranked in the past and also assist in the
community. For younger students, the team presents, “It’s OK To Be Different,” a look at what makes us unique. For high
school students, the team presents a safe driving campaign that includes public service announcements and school assemblies.
These sessions include a personal story from a team member who tells how he was injured in a car accident and what could
be done to prevent such accidents.
Suns Alumni Summer Youth Basketball Camps
This summer the Phoenix Suns will host more than 1,500 Valley youth as they head to Grand Canyon University to participate
in the Suns Alumni Summer Youth Basketball Camps. Suns legends Connie Hawkins, Mark West, John Shumate, Alvan Adams,
Tim Kempton and Suns broadcaster Tom Leander manage the camps. With assistance from the Parks and Recreation Department
of the City of Phoenix, the Suns invite kids ages 6-15 living in urban areas to attend the daily activities. The free camps
include basketball drills and games, special appearances and presentations, and each child leaves with a memento of their
day with the Suns.
Community Appearances
Meeting a Phoenix Suns player can be a
significant experience in the life of a child... or any
fan! Suns players, coaches and alumni make
appearances year-round, allowing the Suns to
support hundreds of community organizations in a
unique way. Appearances at schools, hospitals,
parks, stores, basketball camps and community
events help many other organizations raise funds
and build community awareness for their cause.
And the ever-entertaining Gorilla, now a member of
the Mascot Hall of Fame, makes friends throughout the
state on more than 250 community appearances
annually. Many times, he is joined by the Phoenix
Suns Entertainment Team, which includes Suns
dancers, Verve Sol Patrol and the Suns Toyota Tundra.
Donations
The Phoenix Suns support hundreds of non-profit and educational organizations each year with donations of cash,
merchandise, and autographed items. Thanks to Phoenix Suns players who purchase blocks of tickets to each game, many
kids have the chance to see a Suns game live for the very first time. And through Suns Charity Seats, season ticket holders
may donate unused seats, which are then donated to non-profit organizations that assist the needs of children.
Through the APS Powers Players program, the Suns renovate old basketball courts. A dedication ceremony features player
and alumni clinics for kids who will use the court. In the past five years, the Suns have renovated more than 50 courts
statewide.
Volunteer Efforts
As a community leader, the Phoenix Suns franchise takes the position of role model very seriously. That’s why we are
a major contributor to the United Way and the United Way Day of Caring. In addition, Phoenix Suns employees serve
on numerous community boards and committees, leading a wide variety of charitable efforts throughout the community
and state.
Environmental Leaders
Suns Legacy Partners is committed to becoming conscious and educated about sustainable and environmentally friendly
initiatives in order to institute positive change within our organization. Furthermore, by implementing these practices,
we hope that others will conform to also make changes for the better of the environment.
PHOENIX SUNS CHARITIES
Phoenix Suns Charities uses the unique resources of the Suns organization to raise funds that will address the needs of
children and families in Arizona. Since its creation in 1989, the foundation has raised over $10 million through special
events, sponsor programs and sports memorabilia auctions.
Annually, Suns Charities grants serve over 120 non-profit organizations that focus on children and youth in the areas of
education, health and human services, the arts, as well as sports, recreation and rehabilitation. In 2008, Suns Charities
grants topped the one million dollar mark for the first time. The foundation also sponsors the SunStudent Scholarship Program,
which awards $35,000 in scholarships to Arizona High School seniors who have made a significant commitment to community
service. In this way, Phoenix Suns Charities is helping to nurture the next generation of community volunteers.
Investing in the community is important to the Phoenix Suns. In fact, the combined value of Suns grants, donations,
scholarships, merchandise, tickets and memorabilia now exceeds $1 million annually.
Questions or comments regarding Phoenix Suns Charities should be directed to Kathy Pidgeon, executive director, at
(602) 379-7900 or kpidgeon@suns.com.
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Community Outreach