42 local charities received $140,000 in grants from The Champions Volunteer Foundation. The checks were handed out during a breakfast ceremony on Friday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
The Champions Volunteer Foundation is the main beneficiary of proceeds from the annual BNP Paribas Open, held in Indian Wells.
Many of the representatives of the various recipients expressed their gratitude in light of the ongoing economic problems that have seen grants from governmental organizations dry up.
“I know for many charitable organizations, it has been an incredible journey the last few years”, said Judi Miller, Associate Executive Director for the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. “So for that, we’d like to thank The Champions Foundation.”
Shanna Hirschi, Senior Program Director for the Arthritis Foundation – Coachella Valley, told how the donations and grants have helped expand their programs for children.
“We run a camp for children with arthritis called Camp Esparanza,” Hirschi said. “This year, we’ve been able to send 250 kids to camp, our biggest year yet. With this funding, it helps us send even more kids.”
The Champions Volunteer Foundation has given over $1.2 million to local charities since it's start in 2002.
