2014 Waste Management Phoenix Open and The Thunderbirds raise $7,061,282 for local charities

Waste Management Phoenix Open hosts, The Thunderbirds, will distribute $7,061,282 to local charities through proceeds raised from the 2014 tournament, Thunderbirds Big Chief Tom King announced recently. This marks the first time since 2008 that The Thunderbirds have raised more than $7 million from tournament proceeds and is the third highest charitable donation in a single year in tournament history, behind only the 2008 ($8.8 million) and 2007 ($7.8 million) tournaments.

Since 2003 when the tournament first brought on a title sponsor, The Thunderbirds and the Open have raised more than $67.4 million ($67,437,385) for charities. In its history, dating back to 1932, the Phoenix Open has raised more than $93.3 million ($93,358,203) for charities in Arizona.

The 2014 Waste Management Phoenix Open was a record setting event, as four of the seven tournament days drew record attendance. Saturday’s third round attendance of 189,722 set an all-time single-day attendance record in Waste Management Phoenix Open history and the tournament’s weeklong attendance mark of 563,008 was also a tournament record.

“Thanks to unbelievable community and corporate support of our great event, we’re able to help thousands of children and families in need,” said King. “We are very grateful to our title sponsor Waste Management, our many other corporate partners, and for the support of our golf fans, volunteers and the professional golfers that play in our event.”

“This tournament is showing the world how a sporting event really can make a difference,” said David Steiner, Waste Management president and CEO. “Whether it’s setting a new standard for sustainability or sending more than $7 million to Arizona charities, it’s about much more than great golf.”

The 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open will be held at the TPC Scottsdale from January 26 to February 1, 2015. It is the best-attended golf tournament in the world and has gained legendary status for being the most unique stop on the PGA TOUR. The 2015 edition will mark the 80th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the sixth as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports.The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members.

For more information on The Thunderbirds or the 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open, call The Thunderbirds office at 602. 870.0163 or visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.