WHO WE ARE Board of Directors................... 4 Welcome Letter....................... 5 By the Numbers...................... 6 Fiesta Bowl Family................... 8 Spirit........................................ 14 Volunteers............................... 16
initiatives Grant Cycle............................. 20 Wishes for Teachers................. 22 My School Hero....................... 24 Playground Builds................... 26 Resource Room....................... 28 NACDA................................... 30 Emergency Relief Fund........... 32
EVENTS Kickoff Luncheon..................... 36 Spirit's Birthday....................... 38 Youth Football Clinic............... 40 Par 3 Challenge....................... 42 Draft Day................................. 44
table of contents
World Record.......................... 46 Operation Santa...................... 48 Field Donation......................... 50 Sanctioned Events................... 51
Game week Player Outreach....................... 56 Fiesta Bowl Parade.................. 62 Cheez-It® Bowl......................... 64 PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl......... 66 Community Impact.................. 68
Who WE ARE
Every team needs a steady hand guiding it along and the Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors helps keep the Bowl a perennial success story. Our Board sets policies, oversees finances, and determines the Bowl's future direction. Patrick Barkley, Chair Ray Artigue Nikki Balich Brett Benton Judy Bernas Tim Brown Dr. Javier Cardenas
4
Ed Erhardt Mark Fast Marchelle Franklin Harry Garewal Bryce Hancock Gary Hanson James Hatfield
Richard Horn Steven Leach Rob Longo Gonzalo de la Melena Kelly Mero Ron Minegar Randal Norton
Tom O’Malley Jim Phillips Dawn Rogers Rachel Sacco Denise Seomin Marcus Sipolt Bryan Sperber
Andrew Stegen Mike Wilcox Glenn Wong
Fiesta Bowl
Welcome We are well-known for being the best in college football, but at the heart of the Fiesta Bowl Organization is charitable giving. Since 1971, Fiesta Bowl Charities has served thousands of nonprofits across the state, helping organizations that positively serve our communities through our three pillars of youth, sports and education. This past season alone, Fiesta Bowl Charities donated $4 million to 40 nonprofits across Arizona due to the support generated from the PlayStationŽ Fiesta Bowl and the Cheez-ItŽ Bowl, as well as numerous other community events. Fiesta Bowl Charities has now granted $16.5 million to the Arizona community in the past nine years. Part of our commitment to the community included $1 million in total funds donated to 200 deserving teachers through the Wishes for Teachers program, powered by DriveTime. These unsung heroes each received a $5,000 grant to directly support their classrooms and schools impacting nearly 140,000 students in Arizona, representing 40 communities. We’re excited to see where our continued community impact will take us in the coming seasons. None of this would be possible without the constant support of our amazing fans, partners, volunteers, board, committee, ambassadors and staff. We thank all of you for your amazing commitment and look forward to the year ahead.
Tim Brown
2019-20 Charitable Giving Committee Chair 5
6
By The Numbers
IMPACT BY 9 NEW PLAYGROUNDS/PLAY SPACES BOOKS FOR UNDER-SERVED YOUTH
7
Fiesta Bowl
FAMILY Yellow Jacket Committee The Fiesta Bowl Committee is made up of a team of community leaders, who dedicate themselves in work with sponsors, volunteers, staff, and the Board of Directors to support the Fiesta Bowl and other events.
2019-20 Yellow Jackets Zahid Arab Jen Axel Hamayun Babar Michael Bankston Eric Barkyoumb Brian Bednar Scott Bernstein Bryan Beverly Eric Bottolfsen Damon Boze Robert Bridge Taylor Burgoon Joe Burkel Joe Cafferelli Jennifer Cannon Gene Carl Linda Conti John Craiger Walker Crowson John Damiris Arthur De Luigi Brian Debnam Nate Dominguez
8
Dave Dorward Ken Estrada Andrew Fisher Kirk Fonfara Adam Fullerton Dean Gekas Jeff Golner Chelsey Golightly Chris Gracey Darius Green Brian Gubernick Chris Hake Curt Hansen Kirk Harbaugh Bob Hart Ryan Hatch Marc Hertzberg Dan Hobaica Troy Hoberg Joe Hourigan Randle House Matt James Danny Johnson
Patrick Joyce Raj Kapur Jim Kebert Nick Kieffer Eric Kline John Knebel Lucas Kraut Steve Kruczek Jonathan Levin Mike Lindsley Jake Logan Madison Major Jim Manley Ty Martin Tim McBride Kirk McClure Sean McClenney Brian McCrea Craig Mercure John Meza Brett Miller Chad Miller Lindsay Moellenberndt
Brian Moll Jason Moore Kate Moore Brad Morin Mike Muraco Justin Naber Barry Nelson Tim Newquist Ed Olsen Sharon Perry-Gibson Kelly Peru Ramey Peru Thaxton Peterson Calvin Platten Tim Potter John Rawicz Dean Rennell Josh Rossman Michael Rossman Richie Schmock Zach Sebastion Marcus Seiler Logan Senoski
Davina Seville Andy Shultz Robert Simmons Brad Smidt Jeff Smith Nick Smith Ben Smith Greg Stark Brad Tennison Gannon Theil Christopher Tuma Devin Vos Sean Ward Josh Wein David Weissman Andrew Western Antone White Larry White Brian Wilder Frank Zimmerman
9
10
Fiesta Bowl
FAMILY Ambassadors Our Ambassadors support the Fiesta Bowl Committee and provide first-in-class hospitality to administration, players and guests from the Cheez-ItÂŽ Bowl and the PlayStationÂŽ Fiesta Bowl teams and at our year-round events.
2019-20 Ambassadors Pauline Argeros Tammie Armeni Nicole Barrington Karen Casassa Allison Chafin Lora Dal Bo Vicki Fiorelli Simone Janssen Samantha Johnson Monica Kruck Kathy Leazotte Wendy Manning Susanna Martinez Erin McCormick Ronda Parker
*Emerita Ambassador
Amy Peters Irma Prescott Linda Rondeau Deborah Rothstein Sooz Rudolph Alethea Session Mary Beth Sheleman Melanie Smith Anna Williams Brittany Wilson Marilyn Bechtold* Marisa Calderon* Ellen Casey* Kathleen Casey-Walker* Sally Clements*
Josefina Comstock* Faye Cook* Donna Cubillas* Laura Davis* Lourdes D'Sylva* Dennice Dunaway* Le Lani Forrest* Vicki Frailey* Lorraine Gentile* Judy Greene* Jennifer Harmon* Janey Haugen* Carolyn Holden* JoAnn Holland* Shelly Huckfeldt*
Vera Kelly* Marie Larson* Sheryl Long* Hillary Mackowski* Deborah Maloney* Kathie May* Kelly McCormick* Elaine Molski* Val Nikolaus* Jan Nowell* Sheila Perkins* Sharon Perry-Gibson* Connie Peters* Carol Piowarsy* Stephanie Ruiz*
Amy Schapira* Chantri Sukpon* Vicki Tallon* Gayle Tanber* LaBertha Umbreit* Stephanie Van Gorder* Molly Weiss* Judith Wodash* Kyla Braker+ Gail Reed+ Monica Hale+ Terri Hall+ Annie Leko+ Sandra Searle+
+Associate Ambassador
11
Fiesta Bowl
FAMILY Staff Fiesta Bowl staff continually set a new standard and work diligently year-round to make sure our Bowl games, events and philanthropic efforts in the community have maximum impact and serve the organization’s mission. Daniel Adams Marcos Arroyo Gail Avisar Cheyenne Brumlow Caitlin Cardoza Kristina Chumpol Ryan Diller JoDee Disney
12
Peggy Eyanson Eddie Eixenberger Tim Gleason Angel Guzman Emily Holden Rosemary James Curt Krizan Scott Leightman
Collin Mattoon Jose Moreno Paige Mueller Alex Nash Mike Nealy Jule Ortbahn Lenny Paoletta Christian Portaro
Bernard Richardson Sunny Valdiviezo Suzie Warren Billy Welsh Bob Whitehouse Cynthia Wilson
13
14
Fiesta Bowl Mascot
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. 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 values of youth, sports and education. He had found his home. Since that faithful meet up, Spirit and the Fiesta Bowl have been a staple of the Valley. Everyday Spirit brings the same energy as the solar flare from which he came. He makes sure every event he attends is a Fiesta!
15
Fiesta Bowl Family
volunteerism The Fiesta Bowl is proud to serve the Arizona community. Throughout the year, more than 3,000 volunteers spent over 40,000 hours giving back through playground builds, the Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Cheez-ItŽ, first-class hospitality, community outreach events and some of the nation’s most highprofile college football games.
We are honored and thrilled to be the presenting partner for the Fiesta Bowl volunteer program. This collaboration is a natural fit with our Mobilize AZ public health movement. Through Mobilize AZ, we are tackling the health challenges hitting Arizonans the hardest by bringing together education, resources, and communities to reduce the impact of opioid misuse and substance use disorder, mental health, and diabetes.
Pam Kehaly President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
16
17
Title I schools and teachers have been so appreciative of the free and engaging hands-on Science on Wheels program to provide for their students. These hands-on STEM learning experiences would not have been possible without the support of our community partner, Fiesta Bowl Charities.
Alyson Smith
Vice President of Informal Science Learning, Arizona Science Center
initiatives
Fiesta Bowl Charities
Grant Cycle During the 2019-20 season, Fiesta Bowl Charities awarded a record amount of charitable giving to 40 Arizona nonprofits that enhance the lives of Arizonans in the areas of youth, sports and education.
20
Our revamped grant cycle allows us to play a part in the amazing things our Arizona nonprofits do every single day. Every year I am blown away watching these organizations change the lives of Arizonans. Our community is truly something special.
Fiesta Bowl Charities’ investment in early literacy is getting books into the hands of kids in need and is helping shape our future graduates. The Fiesta Bowl sends a message to caregivers that reinforces the importance of engaging and reading 20 minutes every day.
Patrick Barkley
David Reno
Chairman of the Board, Fiesta Bowl
Senior Manager Donor Partnerships, Southwest Human Development
2019-20 Fiesta Bowl Charities Grant Recipients
OF TUCSON
®
R
NAASA
Northern Arizona Adaptive Sports Association
VALLEY OF THE SUN CHAPTER
21
Fiesta Bowl Charities
wishes for teachers
For the fourth year in a row, Fiesta Bowl Charities invited Arizona teachers to complete an online application sharing a wish for their classroom. Through Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers, powered by DriveTime, 200 teachers were randomly selected and provided with a $5,000 grant to make their classroom wish come true.
138,447
177
40
We are a very proud partner with Fiesta Bowl Charities motivated by their Wishes for Teachers initiative. Engaging with them on their commitment to education inspires us as an organization to our dedication to community and future generations.
Don Reese CEO, DriveTime
22
23
24
Fiesta Bowl and CFP
MY SCHool HERO For the first time, the College Football Playoff Foundation “Extra Yard for Teachers� My School Hero campaign was brought to Arizona by Fiesta Bowl Charities and the CFP Foundation to honor a school hero who made a positive impact on K-12 education. Teachers, principals, coaches, custodians and more were nominated, and 20 heroes were recognized with $1,000 to fund a DonorsChoose project for their classroom.
I am honored to be chosen as the My School Hero of the Year. From laughing through Eddie B's comedy at the Extra Yard for Teachers Summit to running through the French Quarter in the 5K, to eating my way through Taste of the Championship and attending concerts, I had little time to rest. And that was all before the game, where the energy was vividly evident. It was an unbelievable weekend, one that I did not want to end.
Nancy Foote Physics Teacher, Sossaman Middle School
25
KaBOOM!
playground builds During the 2019-20 grant cycle, Fiesta Bowl Charities, in partnership with KaBOOM!, built new playgrounds for Arizona communities. Volunteers traveled north to complete a build at the Fort Mohave Community Park, plus another set to be built in partnership with SRP in the fall. Fiesta Bowl Charities has now completed nine playgrounds around the state.
BHHS Legacy Foundation’s partnership with Fiesta bowl Charities, KaBOOM!, and the hundreds of community members who assisted in providing our area children with a fabulous playground, was in one word ‌ incredible!
Nancy Mongeau Vice President Program Development, BHHS Legacy Foundation
26
27
Fiesta Bowl
resource room December 12, 2019 Fiesta Bowl Charities, in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, helped to transform a space at the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona into the Fiesta Bowl Charities Resource Room. A new AV system, wall art, and a zen space will allow children to unwind and recharge. The space will be used for assemblies, sports, theater and more fun activities by up to 100 children daily.
It’s open, it’s bright, it’s airy and it’s really welcoming and that’s what we want to make sure we’re doing. When developing strategies where we can make the biggest impact in our community, we always come back to our youth. This new resource room is vital to providing Prescott youth the resources to manage stress, build resiliency, and live healthy and happy lives.
Christine Wiggs Director of Community Health Interventions & Health Equity, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
28
29
NACDA NACDA For the third year, the Fiesta Bowl partnered with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) to recognize outstanding offthe-field community service efforts by NCAA Division I member institutions. In honor of Boston College’s Adopt-A-Child program that connected BC student-athletes with 167 underprivileged children from neighboring communities, NACDA and the Fiesta Bowl awarded $10,000 to Boston College for its chosen charity, Massachusetts Wonderfund, on September 13. As a department, the Eagles completed over 4,500 community service hours at the end of the 2018-19 school year.
NACDA McLendon Scholarship presented by Fiesta Bowl Fiesta Bowl is proud to support the John McLendon Minority Scholarship, which provides a $10,000 grant to be used towards postgraduate studies in athletics administration for a minority candidate from an Arizona-based fouryear institution. This past year’s recipient was Naomi Eastland, an Eastern Washington University graduate, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training. Naomi is currently attending NAU pursuing a Masters of Education while being a Graduate Assistant athletic trainer with the NAU football team.
30
31
32
Fiesta Bowl Charities
EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDING In response to needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Fiesta Bowl Charities donated $1 million in emergency relief funding to 18 nonprofits throughout the state. The funded organizations were on the front lines helping the community through food services and youth programming.
In this time when people are worried about their health, the health of their loved ones and their finances, we want to be sure that they don’t have to also worry about how they are going to feed their family. This gift from the Fiesta Bowl will provide 735,000 meals to people in need. The Fiesta Bowl has been a longtime supporter of St. Mary’s Food Bank and for them to step up AGAIN, right now, during this emergency, just speaks volumes about them as a partner of ours and the whole community.
Lisa Notaro Chief Development Officer, St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance
33
EVENTS
Arizona Bank & Trust
Fiesta Bowl kickoff luncheon August 20, 2019 The Fiesta Bowl continued its tradition of starting off the college football season with the Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Bowl Kickoff Luncheon and one of college football’s biggest names as keynote. Legendary coach Urban Meyer, one of the winningest coaches in college football history and four-time Fiesta Bowl coach, was the featured speaker.
Arizona Bank & Trust is proud to sponsor the Fiesta Bowl Kickoff Luncheon, as we’ve been impressed with the organization and all it does for Arizona’s charities. Clear in their mission to be ‘More Than Just a Game,’ the team has created the best event in collegiate sports, while bringing the community together for the betterment of Arizona.
Bill Callahan CEO, Arizona Bank & Trust
36
37
38
Fiesta Bowl
SPIRIT's Birthday SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 Spirit invited a few of his closest mascot friends and over 100 children from the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley-Metro Phoenix branches to celebrate his birthday. The night was full of flag football, music, celebration and, of course, birthday cake! Children who attended received an autographed poster and gift bag thanks to Dick’s Sporting Goods and Risas Dental. To show support of the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley-Metro Phoenix, Fiesta Bowl Charities provided the nonprofit with $1,500 to put towards youth programs.
Only the Fiesta Bowl could bring together these icons for a party that inspires and engages hundreds of kids. We share the same vision and are one team working to create great futures for the youth of Arizona!
Marcia Mintz CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley-Metro Phoenix
39
Fiesta Bowl
Youth football clinic October 5, 2019 Boys and girls from around the Valley gathered at the Salvation Army Kroc Center to participate in a free, non-contact football clinic to run through various skills and drills. They also learned about being good teammates and developing confidence and a strong work ethic from trained athletes and experienced coaches, including Michael Bankston, former Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle.
The Fiesta Bowl Football Clinic at The Salvation Army Kroc Center has been a wonderful addition to the South Phoenix community for the past three years. The clinic is a perfect way to introduce the wonderful game of football to our youth and build their confidence. We are blessed to be a part of something so special.
Captain Caroline Rowe Corps Officer of the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center Phoenix South Mountain
40
41
42
Wells Fargo
par 3 Challenge October 23-25, 2019 The Wells Fargo Fiesta Bowl Par 3 Challenge presented by Chapman Automotive is a scramble-style golf tournament that allows golfers the chance to win a prize on every hole in a fun and fast format. Proceeds from the event help fund Fiesta Bowl Charities, which funnels the money back into the community. As part of the event, local media personalities gave their best swing for charity and representatives from Southwest Human Development, Boys & Girls Club of East Valley-Metro Phoenix, Homeward Bound, Miracle League Arizona, Arizona Science Center, ICAN and Muscular Dystrophy were all in attendance to cheer them on. Steve Irvin with ABC15 hit the ball closest to pin providing Miracle League Arizona with $2,000 to put towards their initiatives.
The Fiesta Bowl Par 3 Challenge is a one-of-a-kind golf tournament that provides a fun and exciting atmosphere with the opportunity for participants to win incredible prizes and the chance to win $1 Million. On top of that, the Par 3 Challenge is a huge fundraising event and the community benefits through the many nonprofit organizations that directly receive funds generated from this event.
Jeff Smith Marketing Director, Wells Fargo Bank
43
Wishes for Teachers
draft day october 29, 2019 Local celebrities, athletes and the Fiesta Bowl family gathered for a live event and webstream production of the second annual Wishes for Teachers Draft Day at SNEAKY BIG. An all-star cast drew the names of teachers and then called to inform them that their wish had come true. By the end of the night, $1 million had been given out to 200 hard-working Arizona educators.
As an organization that was founded by teachers in 1939, educators are important to who we are. Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers allows us to make a positive impact on educators in our community. Being able to call teachers to grant their wishes is such a rewarding experience, especially when you hear how excited they are!
Rachel Hunter AVP, Brand Communications, Desert Financial Credit Union
44
45
46
Largest Game of Freeze Tag
world record november 13, 2019 On November 13, 2,172 students from Phoenix Elementary School District No. #1 officially set a new GUINNESS World Record for the largest game of freeze tag. The event, hosted by Fiesta Bowl Charities in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, brought together students from 13 schools for a record-setting day of tag, dancing and fun to promote the importance of health and wellness.
Sharing that physical activity can be fun, enjoyed with friends, and rewarding, is so important to instill in our children at a young age. We are so proud of all of the Phoenix Elementary District No. 1 students, along with their amazing teachers, for their great accomplishment in becoming GUINNESS WORLD RECORD holders for the largest game of freeze tag!
Pam Kehaly President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
47
48
Presented by USAA
operation santa december 3, 2019 The holidays were a little bit brighter for more than 40 children from Luke Air Force Base, who had a parent deployed for the holidays. Thanks to Dick’s Sporting Goods and Fighter Country Foundation, each child received a $300 gift card to pick out new shoes, clothes, bikes, and sports gear with the help of a USAA volunteer. During the event, children and their families were also able to make a holiday craft and enjoy a barbecue dinner.
When I can walk and be part of a child’s discovery and sheer joy… it’s a gift to me! It’s all part of being something that’s bigger than yourself and this event is absolutely that. It’s bringing a Christmas to these children and supporting our military in the process.
Greg Debernard Regional Vice President, USAA
49
®
Cheez-It Bowl
Field Donation
After the final whistle at the Cheez-It® Bowl blew the 80,000 square feet of turf used by Air Force and Washington State made its way across town to Cartwright Elementary School. The new field, along with field goals, bleachers and a scoreboard, completed a makeover to give this community a state-of-the-art playing field. Fiesta Bowl Charities is proud to provide the Cartwright community with a space that will allow youth to be active.
Cartwright Elementary School is grateful for the athletic field that the Fiesta Bowl has donated. This athletic field will enrich the lives of our students, families, and the surrounding community. A donation of this magnitude will positively influence generations of Maryvale families by providing a “hub” for the community. The athletic field will support team building, social-emotional skills, and modeled sportsmanship that will be the inspiration for a brighter future.
Vicki Wingfield Principal, Cartwright Elementary School
LERNER&ROWE
50
Fiesta Bowl
sanctioned events Fiesta Bowl Lori Piestewa National Native American Games The Fiesta Bowl Lori Piestewa National Native American Games are the largest sports competition of its kind, bringing together nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to compete in volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, cross country and wrestling. Approximately 17,000 spectators travel to Maricopa County to watch the events and take part in the festivities.
Boys & Girls Club State Youth of the Year The Boys & Girls Club Arizona State Youth of the Year honors a Club member who continually demonstrates service to the Club and excels in community values, academic performance, moral character, life goals, poise and public-speaking. The state champion advances into Regional and National competitions.
51
Game week
ÂŽ
Cheez-It Bowl
player outreach Air Force academy + SALVATION ARMY December 25, 2019 Air Force Academy student-athletes, coaches and administrators spent Christmas morning serving meals, playing games, and giving manicures to over 5,000 guests at the annual Salvation Army Christmas Dinner. The players were able to spread some holiday cheer by passing out Falcons gear and autographing posters.
The support of Fiesta Bowl Charities helps The Salvation Army in its mission to serve our neighbors in need, for which we are very thankful. We were honored to have football players of the Air Force Academy volunteer this past Christmas, and the smiles and joy they brought to our guests were amazing.
Major David Yardley Salvation Army Metro Phoenix Program Coordinator
54
55
56
ÂŽ
Cheez-It Bowl
player outreach
washington state university + muscular dystrophy association December 26, 2019 The Washington State Cougars and over 100 children from Muscular Dystrophy Association put their skills to the test with a fun-filled day of arcade games, laser tag and bowling at Main Event Tempe. The children were each paired with a player and all received Wazzu gear and an autographed poster.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association has been fortunate to participate in Cheez-ItÂŽ Bowl Player Outreach event. Our kids had an amazing time with players and staff. The time shared with each of the players helps our kids to gain confidence that will last a lifetime, and to truly live stronger and defy limits.
Sarah Levin Executive Director of MDA
57
®
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
player outreach
ohio state + child crisis Arizona December 23, 2019 Over 50 children from Child Crisis Arizona had the opportunity to go on a shopping spree with Ohio State players at Dick’s Sporting Goods. The children picked out clothes, shoes, bikes and more in addition to receiving a bag full of PlayStation® and Dick’s Sporting Goods gear and a PlayStation bedspread.
The partnership with Fiesta Bowl Charities gave us the opportunity to provide 50 underserved children the chance to have a memorable holiday shopping experience. Seeing the Ohio State players give back to our local community meant the world. The joy that these kids experienced that day will be something they remember forever.
Torrie Taj CEO, Child Crisis Arizona
58
59
60
ÂŽ
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
player outreach
clemson + back to school clothing drive December 25, 2019 The Clemson Tigers helped set nearly 1,500 students up for success with a Christmas Day community service project. Student-athletes, coaches, Wishes for Teachers recipients and their families raced to fill backpacks with pencils, erasers, crayons and other school supplies needed by children who attend Title 1 schools. Each participant received a PlayStation gift bag and Clemson gear.
The PlayStationÂŽ Fiesta Bowl Player Outreach provided a wonderful opportunity to deliver an impactful event that benefited 1,500 elementary school children. Our partnership continues to grow allowing us to expand our reach and support for students in need across Maricopa County.
Karl Gentles Executive Director, Back to School Clothing Drive
61
Desert Financial
fiesta bowl Parade
December 28, 2019 The pageantry of the Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade, presented by Cheez-ItÂŽ made its way through Central Phoenix to celebrate its Women in Sports theme before 100,000 cheering spectators. More than 80 floats, bands, community groups, giant balloons and 3,035 participants marched down the two-mile parade route alongside trailblazing Grand Marshals Amy Bockerstette, Julie Ertz, Jessica McDonald, Allysa Seely and Diana Taurasi.
62
It's a time for women in sports to be recognized and carry this torch into the future. I think what the Fiesta Bowl is doing says a lot about what they mean to the community, what they mean to the country as far as forward thinking and going in the right direction.
As a life member of the Fiesta Bowl, I am so proud to be affiliated in such a significant way to the tradition that our community, and my family, love so deeply. As the Bowl gets ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, I hope next year's Parade is another great chance for the wider community to gain an even deeper appreciation for the meaning behind the Fiesta Bowl.
Diana Taurasi
Jeff Meshey
WNBA Champion and Team USA Gold Medalist
CEO and President, Desert Financial Credit Union
63
64
Game Highlights
Cheez-It bowl ®
AIR FORCE FLIES TO CHEEZ-IT® BOWL TITLE December 27, 2019 The Cheez-It® Bowl featured some of the nation’s most prolific offenses – Air Force’s triple option and Washington State’s air raid – with an average combined 767 in total offensive yards. Air Force’s rushing attack capped off a sensational 11-2 season with a 31-21 win over Washington State. The Falcons slowed down the Cougars’ passing game, setting a Cheez-It® Bowl record for time of possession with 43:24. After a scoreless first quarter, both teams were in an offensive shootout before halftime where Air Force led WSU, 17-14. The Falcons separated themselves in the second half with a pair of touchdowns to seal the deal. With a strong running attack, Air Force broke Cheez-It® Bowl records for first downs rushing (27) and rushing attempts (69) in a single game. A pair of Air Force juniors were named MVPs of the game – running back Kadin Remsberg won the Offensive Player of the Game and Defensive Player of the Game was awarded to linebacker Grant Donaldson. Wazzu linebacker Jahad Woods registered a career high and new bowl record with 20 tackles, previously held by Minnesota’s Kim Royston in the 2009 Insight Bowl. Remsberg finished with 178 yards rushing and the game-clinching touchdown with 3:50 remaining in the game.
65
Game Highlights
Playstation Fiesta Bowl
®
CLEMSON WINS PLAYSTATION® FIESTA BOWL TO ADVANCE TO CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP December 28, 2019 In what ESPN called the best game of the 2019 college football season, No. 3 Clemson rallied from a 16-0 deficit to top No. 2 Ohio State, 29-23, and go to the CFP National Championship Game. The entertaining and exciting PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl was the most-watched non-January 1st College Football Playoff Semifinal ever with 23.5 million viewers. Throughout the 60 minutes, the game featured big play after big play, including Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence dashing for a 67-yard touchdown before halftime to change the game’s momentum. Ohio State was driving toward a winning score when Clemson junior safety Nolan Turner sealed the victory with an interception with :37 remaining in the game to extend Clemson’s nation’s-best 29-game winning streak. Lawrence was awarded the Offensive Player of the Game and fifth-year senior linebacker Chad Smith won Defensive Player of the Game. The highly touted Clemson quarterback had 107 yards rushing and 259 passing yards while running his streak of passes without any interceptions to 215. Ohio State junior running back J.K. Dobbins ran for 174 yards and a touchdown to lead the Buckeyes’ offense. 66
67
Fiesta Bowl
community impact wishes for teachers
playground build
field donation
Grant cycle recipient
wishes for teachers schools impacted Diamond Canyon School Adams Elementary School Akimel A-al Middle School Altadena Middle School American Leadership Academy Apollo High School Aprende Middle School Arcadia High School Archway Classical Academy Arete Preparatory Academy Arizona Charter Acadmey ASU Preparatory Academy Barry Goldwater High School BASIS Charter School Belen Soto Elementary School Bernard Black Elementary School Blake Primary School Boulder Creek Elementary School Butterfield Elementary School Cactus High School Camelback High School Canyon View Elementary School Carol G. Peck School Carol Rae Ranch Elementary School Casa Grande Middle School Casteel High School Cerbat Elementary School Challenger Middle School Chandler High School Chandler Preparatory Academy Cienega High School Copper Creek Elementary School Cortez High School Cortina Elementary School Cotton Boll Elementary School Cottonwood Community School
68
Cragin Elementary School Desert Edge High School Desert Ridge Junior High School Desert Star Academy Desert Sun Academy Desert Willow Elementary School Dobson High School Dwight Patterson Elementary School East Valley Institute of Technology Edge High School Edison Elementary School Eduprize Schools Estrella Foothills High School Estrella Vista STEM Academy Franklin / Alma Elementary School Franklin / Brimhall Elementary School Fremont Junior High School Gale Elementary School Ganado Middle School GateWay Early College High School Gateway Pointe Elementary School Gateway Polytechnic Academy Gilbert Classical Academy Greenfield Junior High School Hale Elementary School Hamilton High School Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary Heritage Academy Highland High School Highland Lakes School Higley Traditional Academy Holiday Park School Holmes Elementary School Hopi Elementary School Horizon Honors Secondary School Houston Elementary School
Hughes Elementary School Imagine East Mesa Elementary School Imagine Prep Imagine Schools Independence High School Indian Bend Elementary School IntelliSchool James Madison Preparatory School Justine Spitalny Elementary School Kenilworth Elementary School Knox Gifted Academy Kyrene de los Lagos Dual Language Academy Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary Lakeview Elementary School Legacy Traditional School Lehi Elementary School Liberty Arts Academy Lindbergh Elementary School Longview Elementary School Lookout Mountain Elementary School Mabel Padgett Elementary School Manuel DeMiguel Elementary School Manzanita Elementary School Maricopa Wells Middle School Maurice C. Cash Elementary School Mesa High School Metro Tech High School Michael Anderson School Midtown Primary School Mission Heights Preparatory High School Mohave Middle School Montecito Community School
Mountain Ridge High School New River Elementary School Nikolaus Homestead Elementary School North Canyon High School North Phoenix Preparatory Academy O'Connor Elementary School Odyssey Preparatory Academy Old Vail Middle School Paloma Elementary School Pantano High School Paragon Science Academy Paseo Pointe Elementary School Paseo Verde Elementary School Patteron Elementary School Pendergast Elementary School Pioneer Elementary School Poston Butte High School Prescott High School Rainbow Valley Elementary School Rhodes Junior High School Roosevelt Elementary School Round Valley High School Sahuarita Middle School Salk Elementary School Sandpiper Elementary School Sandra Day O'Connor High School Sequoia Charter School Sevilla East Primary School Sierra Verde Elementary School Skyline Prep High School Sonoran Foothills School Sonoran Science Academy Sonoran Sky Elementary School Sossaman Middle School South Valley Junior High School
Stanfield Elementary School Sunburst Elementary School Sundance Elementary School Sunnyside High School Sunnyslope High School Sunrise Elementary School Sunset Canyon Elementary School Sycamore Elementary School Tanque Verde High School Taylor Hicks Elementary School Terramar Elementary School Territorial Early Childhood Center The ACES Thew Elementary School Thomas M. Knoles Elementary School Tolleson Union High School Tomahawk Elementary School Verrado Heritage Elementary School Vulture Peak Middle School Walker Butte School Walter Douglas Elementary School Washington Elementary School Washington High School West Wing School Western Sky Middle School WestPark Elementary School Westwood High School Wildfire Elementary Elementary School Wilson Elementary School Zaharis Elementary School