phoenix suns

PHOENIX SUNS
2015 COMMUNITY REPORT
$1,169,000
192
IN PHOENIX SUNS CHARITIES GRANTS GIVEN
485
GORILLA COMMUNITY APPEARANCES
SUNS PLAYER APPEARANCES
16,000
OVER
1,500
393
ALUMNI COMMUNITY
APPEARANCES
YOUTH STAYING FIT
WITH JR. SUNS
BASKETBALL PROGRAM
2,600
DONATIONS TO ARIZONA CHARITIES
$60,000
HOLIDAY CARDS SENT
TO TROOPS OVERSEAS
IN PHOENIX SUNS CHARITIES SCHOLARSHIPS
OVER
$300,000
$140,000
WORTH OF SUNS TICKETS
DONATED BY OUR PLAYERS
IN DONATION ITEMS
@SUNSCOMMUNITY
@SUNSCOMMUNITY
SUNS.COM/COMMUNITY
PG. 1
AS WE CELEBRATE OUR 47TH SEASON AT THE PHOENIX SUNS, we are reminded of our mission to provide the finest in sports
and entertainment to our fans. But our mission extends far beyond our games on the court and moments in the spotlight. In fact, the thing we hold
most dear is our daily interaction with the community, and our commitment to serving its unmet needs.
LOOKING BACK AT THE 2014–15 NBA SEASON, we are grateful for the numerous opportunities given to us to demonstrate this
commitment. We were fortunate to participate in many uplifting and life-changing activities this past season, some of which have been captured
on the pages that follow.
THIS SEASON ALONE, the Phoenix Suns supported outstanding programs and initiatives through $1,169,000 in contributions to local nonprofits that serve the needs of children and families in Arizona. On top of that, Phoenix Suns Charities awarded scholarships totaling $60,000 to
Arizona high school seniors who excelled academically and had a stellar record of service to their schools and their communities.
OUR SUNSCENTRAL PROGRAM AT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL IN PHOENIX COMPLETED ITS THIRD YEAR, AND THE
VERDICT IS IN: SunsCentral wins! The success of SunsCentral has been astonishing. Its mission was to significantly improve graduation rates
through hands-on assistance to students in a comprehensive classroom/tutoring/individual paradigm. The setting for this effort did not offer much
of an advantage. Central High graduation rates had been declining for several years. But focused effort—from students, their families, teachers,
administrators, tutors and volunteers—proves you can buck a bad trend. At the end of this, our third year, we are well on our way to accomplishing
our SunsCentral goal. Graduation rates have increased from 69.9% in 2012–13 to 90% during the 2014–15 school year!
THE PHOENIX SUNS ORGANIZATION—THE PLAYERS, COACHES, TRAINERS, AND FRONT OFFICE —devoted
more
than 400 volunteer hours to charities during our Week of Service in September. As you flip through these pages, you will see smiles that add up
to a lot more than that. Likewise, during our annual Season of Giving campaign, our players, alumni, entertainers and front office staff put on 16
events in two weeks to share with those in need during the holidays. We were also gratified to honor our nation’s military heroes, past and present,
several times throughout the season. One of the most memorable initiatives was our annual Holiday Cards for Troops campaign, which tipped off
during our Military Appreciation Night, allowing us to send 2,600 cards overseas to active duty personnel from Suns fans and staff.
THE PHOENIX SUNS ALSO TEAMED UP WITH LOCAL NON-PROFIT PAL EXPERIENCES TO CREATE A FIRST-OFITS-KIND INTERACTIVE PROGRAM that makes attending a Suns home game more predictable and enjoyable for fans with intellectual
and developmental disabilities. The newly launched website (suns.com/pal) features a step-by-step video and “Phoenix Suns PAL Guide” to assist
fans with navigation and non-verbal communication while attending a game. We want every Suns fan to have a great time at the game!
WE AGAIN THANK THE COMMUNITY FOR THE CONSISTENTLY WARM WELCOME IT EXTENDS TO THE SUNS
GORILLA. This year, GO (as his friends call him) made appearances at 485 events. That is “huge leap” from an average of 350 during prior
years. Our Suns alumni also had a record number of appearances this year with 393 visits, while our players made another 192 of their own.
BECAUSE “A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS,” we present this report for your review and pleasure. We hope you enjoy
it. We certainly enjoyed every minute that went into making the memories. It has been our privilege to connect with so many this season. Thanks
to our fans for their unwavering support, and our partners whose assistance made much of the magic possible. We look forward to working with
you again in the coming season to continue to improve the lives of Arizona’s children and families.
Jason C. Rowley
President, Phoenix Suns & Phoenix Mercury
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A SUNS BASKETBALL FAN, BUT AFTER HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK
WITH THE FOLKS BEHIND THE SCENES, I AM A FANATIC! THE SUNS INSTANTLY SUPPORTED PAL’S
MISSION TO SERVE FANS WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES AND POURED EVERYTHING INTO MAKING
OUR COLLABORATION AWESOME AND EFFECTIVE. THE SUNS DO BEAUTIFUL THINGS AND I FEEL SO
LUCKY TO HAVE MET, WORKED AND BUILT FRIENDSHIPS WITH THEM.”
— MELANIE ISAACS, DIRECTOR, PAL EXPERIENCES, INC.
P.J. Tucker high fives youth at a local Boys & Girls Club during a basketball clinic.
SUMMER SUPPORT
WHEN THE SUNS ORGANIZATION DEDICATES
THEMSELVES TO A COMMUNITY PROJECT, THERE
IS NO HOLDING BACK! THEY BECOME A PARTNER
IN EVERY ASPECT OF THE PROCESS, FROM
BEGINNING TO END! WE APPRECIATE THE
NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES THEY OFFER THE
YOUTH AND FAMILIES OF OUR ORGANIZATION.”
—BRIDGET MCDONALD, VP OF CLUB OPERATION, BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
SUNS’ PLUMLEE VISITS SUNS BASKETBALL CAMPS
Phoenix Suns’ center Miles Plumlee visited kids attending the Phoenix
Suns Basketball Day Camps. Plumlee talked to attendees about the importance of sportsmanship, fundamental skill development, teamwork and a
positive attitude during their camp awards ceremony.
PHOENIX SUNS COLLECT & DONATE BACKPACKS TO
SCHOOLS IN NEED
Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury in partnership with Coca-Cola and
Harkins Theatre, collected and donated 800 backpacks filled with school
supplies to Bethune Elementary, a Playworks Arizona school. Suns’ alumnus Tim Kempton, The Gorilla and Solar Squad delivered backpacks to
kindergarten through fifth grade students at the Title 1 School.
SUNS’ ISAIAH THOMAS DONATES BACKPACKS TO BOYS
& GIRLS CLUB KIDS
Phoenix Suns’ guard Isaiah Thomas held an event to distribute hundreds of
donated backpacks to local Boys & Girls Club youth. Thomas told club
members prior to shooting hoops with the kids, “Anything is possible when
you put your mind to it. You can achieve any goal you set aside.”
800
1,200
YOUTH STAYING ACTIVE WITH
SUNS SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMPS
BACKPACKS DONATED
TO TITLE 1 SCHOOLS
PG. 3
WEEK OF SERVICE
PHOENIX SUNS HOST “WEEK OF SERVICE” TO BENEFIT
VALLEY ORGANIZATIONS
Suns players, alumni, executives and staff gave back to the Phoenix community during the “Suns Week of Service.” The Suns organization held
volunteer events throughout the week to total over 400 volunteer hours to
benefit various non-profit organizations in the Valley.
• Suns’ Plumlee & Randolph host clinic for Special Olympics athletes
• Phoenix Suns pack food boxes for St. Mary’s Food Bank
• Suns’ Warren & Ennis volunteer at Feed My Starving Children
• Suns’ Tolliver & Tucker work with Rebuilding Together to repaint a
veteran’s home
• Suns’ Chambers & Hunter participate in a “Day of Play” with Playworks
NON-PROFITS BENEFITED:
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA, ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK,
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN,
PLAYWORKS ARIZONA, REBUILDING TOGETHER
OVER
400
VOLUNTEER HOURS TO SUPPORT LOCAL NON-PROFITS
WE CONSIDER THE PHOENIX SUNS ORGANIZATION AS ONE OF OUR MAJOR PARTNERS FUELING OUR GROWTH; THEY
TRULY CARE ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY!”—CHUCK WARSHAVER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PLAYWORKS ARIZONA
Suns’ Ring of Honor member Alvan Adams poses with
veteran Bill Skinner during a Rebuilding Together event.
Suns’ guard Gerald Green tosses autographed miniature
basketballs out to the crowd after Open Practice.
FUEL THE FIRE
SUNS HOST INTRASQUAD SCRIMMAGE AT NORTHERN
ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
The Phoenix Suns hosted an open intrasquad scrimmage at Northern
Arizona University’s Skydome to culminate their week of Training Camp in
Flagstaff. After the scrimmage, fans were treated to an all-team autograph
session where they were able to interact with their favorite players.
SUNS HOST OPEN PRACTICE FOR FANS
Phoenix Suns fans received a free look at the 2014–15 Suns when the
team hosted its annual Open Practice at US Airways Center. Immediately
following the practice, select Suns fans had the opportunity to interact with
the team through on-court player competitions.
Suns Community Ambassador Steven Hunter and Flagstaff elementary students
are all smiles after an NBA Fit assembly.
FITNESS EDUCATION
SUNS HOST COMMUNITY OUTREACH FOR NBA FIT IN
FLAGSTAFF
The Phoenix Suns hosted a series of NBA Fit assemblies, basketball clinics
and events to promote community involvement in Flagstaff during Suns
Training Camp.
OVER
4,000
YOUTH REACHED THROUGH FLAGSTAFF
ASSEMBLIES AND CLINICS
PG. 5
FEEDING A COMMUNITY
DRAGIC BROTHERS SPONSOR STUDENTS AT CESAR
CHAVEZ SCHOOL THROUGH BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
Phoenix Suns’ guards Goran and Zoran Dragic partnered with the non-profit
organization, Blessings in a Backpack, to provide students at Cesar Chavez
Community School with healthy, ready-to-eat foods for the school year.
The Dragic brothers discussed the importance of education and proper
nutrition before distributing Thanksgiving meals and school supplies in
backpacks to students.
PHOENIX SUNS DONATE $2,500 & TURKEYS TO THE
SALVATION ARMY
The Phoenix Suns donated $2,500 and a shopping cart full of turkeys to
3TV’s Big Give Turkey Drive to benefit The Salvation Army. Suns Ring
of Honor member, Tom Chambers and The Gorilla, supported this annual
initiative which is a partnership between Fry’s Food Stores and 3TV.
Suns’ guards Goran and Zoran Dragic inspire
students before distributing Thanksgiving meals.
THE SUNS ORGANIZATION IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE
MEN AND WOMEN OF OUR UNITED STATES MILITARY.
AS A VETERAN MYSELF, I UNDERSTAND THE SACRIFICE
THESE BRAVE INDIVIDUALS MAKE TO ENSURE OUR
SAFETY AND FREEDOM.”
—JASON ROWLEY, PRESIDENT PHOENIX SUNS & PHOENIX MERCURY
PG. 7
MILITARY APPRECIATION
SUNS HONOR MILITARY DURING MILITARY
APPRECIATION NIGHT
The Phoenix Suns paid tribute to military veterans and active duty personnel during Military Appreciation Night. Prior to tip-off, the National Anthem
was performed by a member of the military, while service men and women
presented a giant American flag covering the Suns court.
SUNS TEAM UP WITH LUKE AIR FORCE BASE TO
CELEBRATE WINGMAN DAY
The Phoenix Suns teamed up with Luke Air Force Base to celebrate
Veteran’s Day by honoring Wounded Warriors and Purple Heart Veterans
during their annual Wingman Day. The Banner Wheelchair Suns played
basketball against Luke’s Commanders who played the game in wheelchairs; a statement to show that we all struggle with overcoming adversity.
Suns Ring of Honor member Alvan Adams and Suns Community Relations
Ambassador Steven Hunter were coaches for the Commanders teams.
Active duty personnel pose on the main court during
the Phoenix Suns Military Appreciation Night.
Suns’ forwards P.J. Tucker and TJ Warren visit young
patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
200
BLANKETS HANDMADE AND
DONATED BY SUNS EMPLOYEES
WE CONTINUE TO BE TOUCHED BY THE INTEREST TAKEN BY THE PHOENIX SUNS COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
IN THE SINGLE MOM FAMILIES WE SERVE. WE WERE ALSO GREATLY IMPRESSED BY THE DESIGN OF THE HOLIDAY
EVENT THAT TOUCHED THE NEEDS OF THE SINGLE MOM FAMILIES ON SO MANY LEVELS.”
—CHRIS COFFMAN, CEO, HELPING HANDS FOR SINGLE MOMS
Suns’ forward Marcus Morris poses with Helping Hands for Single Moms youth during a holiday event.
PG. 9
2,600
CARDS WISHING TROOPS WELL
DURING THE HOLIDAYS
SEASON OF GIVING
PHOENIX SUNS HOST “SEASON OF GIVING” COMMUNITY
INITIATIVES
The Phoenix Suns annual Season of Giving campaign provides goodwill to
those in need during the holidays.
• Morris Twins team up with Origami Owl to host a holiday party for Helping
Hands for Single Moms
• Suns players ignite smiles during Phoenix Children’s Hospital visit
• Phoenix Suns alumni & executives serve holiday meals at St. Vincent de Paul
• Suns players visit patients at St. Luke’s Medical Center during Phoenix
Suns “Season of Giving”
• Suns Anthony Tolliver provides holiday cheer & gifts for families in need
• Suns hold annual “Holiday Cards for Troops” campaign
• Isaiah Thomas hosts “Isaiah Claus” event for Boys & Girls Club youth
“GORILLA GIVES BACK” TO THE COMMUNITY DURING
SUNS SEASON OF GIVING
The Phoenix Suns Gorilla launched a two-day initiative called “Gorilla
Gives Back” where he gave back to families in need this holiday season.
The Gorilla and Suns Community Ambassador, Steven Hunter, purchased
Christmas trees, groceries and bought dinner for families during the
holidays.
PHOENIX SUNS EMPLOYEES MAKE AND DELIVER 200
BLANKETS TO CENTRAL ARIZONA SHELTER SERVICES
Phoenix Suns’ alumni Tom Chambers, Steven Hunter and Joe Courtney,
along with The Gorilla, active military personnel and Suns staff, delivered
200 blankets to Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) in Phoenix. CASS
is the largest provider of shelter and supportive services. The delivered
blankets were handmade by Suns employees as part of the team’s “Season
of Giving” community initiative.
Suns’ guard Eric Bledsoe takes a moment to pose
with young fans during an autograph session.
WORKING TOGETHER
SUNS TRADE PLACES WITH SOUTHWEST AIRLINES AT
SKY HARBOR
IT MEANS A LOT TO THESE KIDS TO KNOW THAT WE CARE
AND WE’RE GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. P.J. AND
I COME FROM THE SAME BACKGROUND, WE KNOW HOW
HARD IT IS AND IT’S GREAT TO BE ABLE TO PUT SMILES
ON THESE KID’S FACES AND PLAY ON THE SAME COURT
WITH THEM.”
—TJ WARREN, SUNS FORWARD
Phoenix Suns players traded the court for the runway as they took on the
roles of Southwest Airlines employees at Sky Harbor International Airport.
Suns players surprised customers as they made boarding announcements,
took passes and unloaded baggage from airlines.
PHOENIX SUNS HOST SIXTHMAN MEMBERSHIP PARTY
AT OCTANE RACEWAY
The Phoenix Suns hosted their annual SixthMan Membership Party at
Octane Raceway in Scottsdale. After a fan meet and greet session, the
team tested their kart racing skills in a 16-lap speed race.
SUNS’ TUCKER & WARREN JOIN APS FOR BASKETBALL
COURT DEDICATION
Phoenix Suns’ forwards P.J. Tucker and TJ Warren along with APS hosted a
basketball court dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sidney P.
Osborn Housing Project in Phoenix. The Rebound Project is a partnership
between APS and the Suns which includes refurbishing basketball courts,
hoops and lighting for children to enjoy.
SUNS VISIT PATIENTS AT ST. JUDE’S CHILDREN’S
RESEARCH HOSPITAL DURING ROAD TRIP
Phoenix Suns’ players, coaches and training staff made a stop at St. Jude’s
Children’s Research Hospital during their January road trip to Memphis,
Tennessee.
PG. 11
BENEFITTING YOUTH
PHOENIX SUNS CELEBRATE READ ACROSS AMERICA
WITH A SERIES OF SCHOOL VISITS
The Phoenix Suns celebrated Read Across America by hosting multiple
Read to Achieve assemblies and events at several Valley schools. Suns’
Community Relations Ambassador Steven Hunter and The Gorilla discussed the importance of reading in everyday life.
SUNS’ BULLOCK & CASINO ARIZONA HOST PEP
ASSEMBLY FOR 200 VALLEY TEENS
The Phoenix Suns and Casino Arizona teamed up to host a pep assembly
for 200 Valley teens. Suns’ guard Reggie Bullock and Suns broadcaster
Tom Leander participated in a Q&A session about the importance of
healthy eating and exercise before leading the teens in a variety of activities
to promote NBA Fit.
SUNS HOST ANNUAL GALA, THE JUMP BALL, TO RAISE
FUNDS FOR LOCAL NON-PROFITS
Phoenix Suns Charities hosted their annual gala, The JUMP BALL, to
raise money for Arizonan children and families. The entire Suns team and
coaching staff were in attendance. Suns players showed off their talented
dance moves to Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc and
addressed those in attendance during a player-led live auction to raise
monies for the charity.
Phoenix Suns team up to raise funds for local non-profits during Suns Charities annual gala.
$1 MILLION
RAISED FOR PHOENIX SUNS
CHARITIES AT JUMP BALL
Phoenix Suns’ center Alex Len high fives Jared Ornoski during a game of basketball
in Central Park before the NBA Draft Lottery.
WE’RE PROUD AND INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL TO HAVE DEVELOPED A TRUE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
PHOENIX SUNS THAT NOT ONLY HELPS US CONTINUE TO PROVIDE CRITICAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
TO ARIZONA’S YOUNG CHILDREN, BUT ALSO AMPLIFIES THE SUNS’ COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING
THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND SHOWCASING THE BEST IN NBA BASKETBALL.”
—GINGER WARD, CEO, SOUTHWEST HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
SUNS’ LEN HELPED BUILD DEVELOPMENTAL EQUIPMENT
FOR CHILDREN AT SOUTHWEST HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Phoenix Suns’ Center Alex Len, along with team president Jason Rowley
and alumni Joe Courtney and Tim Kempton, helped build customized
development equipment for children with disabilities at Southwest Human
Development.
PHOENIX SUNS’ TUCKER DONATES $9,000 TO BOYS &
GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER SCOTTSDALE
Phoenix Suns’ forward P.J. Tucker joined by Ring of Honor member Dan
Majerle to donate $9,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale.
Following the check presentation, Tucker and Majerle hosted a basketball
clinic and promoted NBA Fit with the help of The Gorilla to teach Valley
youth the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
PHOENIX SUNS SIGN 17-YEAR OLD JARED ORNOSKI AS
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE SUNS FRONT OFFICE
The Phoenix Suns signed student-athlete, Jared Ornoski, as an honorary
member of the Suns front office. Ornoski, a 17-year-old point-guard, is currently in a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Ornoski was surprised by Suns
President of Basketball Operations, Lon Babby, during a school assembly
with classmates. After signing a contract, Jared joined Suns’ center Alex
Len for the NBA Draft Lottery in New York.
SUNS’ ALUMNUS STEVEN HUNTER & THE GORILLA
SURPRISE ADOPTIVE MOTHER FOR MOTHER’S DAY
In honor of Mother’s Day, Suns Community Relations Ambassador Steven
Hunter and The Gorilla surprised adoptive mother Carrie Jankowski with
flowers, tickets, and autographed items for her and her family.
THE MAJERLE HUSTLE AWARD COMES FROM THE COMMUNITY.
PEOPLE THAT VOTED FOR ME AND WANTED ME TO WIN, SO I
FELT THAT I SHOULD GIVE IT BACK TO THE SAME COMMUNITY.”
—P.J. TUCKER, SUNS FORWARD
The Phoenix Suns Gorilla greets local students while acting
as crossing guard for a local school for Pay It Forward Day.
GIVING BACK IS A MUST FOR US. DUE TO
THE SUPPORT WE GET FROM OUR FANS
EVERY GAME, WE SHOULD SUPPORT OUR
COMMUNITY THE SAME WAY.”
—ALEX LEN, PHOENIX SUNS CENTER
PHOENIX SUNS
201 E. JEFFERSON STREET
PHOENIX, AZ 85004
@SUNSCOMMUNITY
@SUNSCOMMUNITY
SUNS.COM/COMMUNITY