Brighter Way Institute Receives $700,000 over Two Years from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Support Oral Health Care Services.

Brighter Way Institute, an Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to providing comprehensive oral health care to underserved children, families, adults, veterans, and individuals experiencing homelessness, has received a $700,000 multi-year grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The grant will support economically disadvantaged, uninsured and underinsured patients through two dental centers and one remote mobile dental unit known as “Tooth Bus.”

Brighter Way has treated over 183,000 unique patients since opening in 2001. Its model incorporates both staff and volunteer dentists, engages for-profit and non-profit sectors, and provides remote mobile access to help close the growing gap in care for vulnerable individuals across Arizona.

“This generous donation from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will allow us to provide over 10,000 comprehensive oral health services to an additional 1,300 patients,” said Brighter Way Institute’s Founder and CEO Kris Volcheck, DDS, MBA. “Our oral health specialists understand the link between oral health and general health. Not only does chronic dental disease impact appearance and self-esteem, but it also leads to emergency room visits for pain and infection control. We’re honored that we can create a brighter future for our children, homeless adults and veterans in our community.”

The 2022 Arizona State Health Assessment estimates that 13% of Arizonans, including 19% of children under the age of 18, live below the federal poverty level, and the majority of low-income and homeless individuals have multiple disparities that prevent them from visiting a dentist. Over 66% of Arizonans do not visit a dentist regularly because of cost, and 48% avoid smiling because of the condition of their teeth. (ADA Health Policy Institute, 2015).

“Dental care is often one of the first things to go when money is tight.” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Brighter Way is changing the game for children, veterans, and homeless people in need with their low- to no-cost, comprehensive dental services.”

For many Brighter Way patients, circumstances like homelessness, the high cost of care, a lack of insurance and inconsistent transportation create barriers for ongoing access to an oral health care dental home. For patients on Arizona’s Medicaid plan, only adult emergency care is provided and complex procedures for children are not covered. Working poor families are often transient and many are forced to choose between paying for food and shelter, or expensive dental procedures for themselves and their family.

Each year, The Bob & Renee Parsons Center for Pediatric Dentistry, a pediatric specialty clinic operated by Brighter Way in the Murphy district, treats thousands of children who suffer from severe dental disease and untreated infections that results in missed school days, bullying, and chronic pain. With this grant, Brighter Way Institute has the capacity to treat more children at a much earlier stage of infection, improving their overall health outlook, establishing a life-long practice of oral health care, and preserving the integrity of their future adult teeth. Specialized oral health professionals are also available for children with developmental disabilities.

“Most of us don’t stop to consider how essential dental health is to overall well-being and quality of life,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Brighter Way is bringing a critical service to many who would otherwise have little or no access to care.”

Brighter Way Institute was founded by Dr. Kris Volcheck in 2001 as a pilot project out of a small trailer located at the Human Services Campus (now Key Campus) in downtown Phoenix. In 2016, Brighter Way Institute became a separate nonprofit organization under an expanded framework that includes all vulnerable members of our community, in addition to those experiencing homelessness. Today, Brighter Way Institute’s dental centers provide comprehensive routine, restorative and reconstruction services that include dentures, implants, oral health education, and a full range of conscious and unconscious sedation options for children.

In Maricopa County, Brighter Way Institute works with a committed group of nonprofits, volunteers, and institutional partners to strategically expand access to oral health for their patients. To learn more about Brighter Way Institute, visit www.brighterwaydental.org.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Grants $250,000 to Help Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona Expand Throughout the State.

Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, a leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming children’s trauma to resilience through the arts, has been awarded a $250,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to expand and enhance their programming throughout the state.

Matt Sandoval, executive director of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, stated, “We believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive, and with the generous support of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, we can make this vision a reality. We’re excited to expand our services to Northern and Southern Arizona and reach more foster families, foster children, and other children and teens living in shelters or group homes.”

The grant will facilitate expansion throughout the state, allowing Free Arts to apply innovative clinically and culturally focused programs such as their Weekly Mentor, Professional Artist Series, Free Arts Days, Camps, Young Adult Empowerment, Family and Resilient Roots programs. By integrating cutting-edge therapeutic techniques with artistic expression, Free Arts aims to provide participants with the tools they need to heal from trauma and build resilience.

“Free Arts has created lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable youth,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “They are leveraging the ability of art to transform, helping foster and homeless youth learn new coping skills that they will carry throughout their lives.”

This grant will enable Free Arts to expand the geographic reach of its programs beyond Maricopa County, reaching participants in Pima, Pinal, and Yavapai Counties, as well as Native nations and Southern Tucson. This expansion is essential to ensuring that all children in Arizona have access to the healing power of the arts, regardless of their location or background.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has granted more than $5 million to the organization with its first gift in 2012. In 2017, they granted Free Arts $2.5 million to establish The Bob & Renee Parsons Center for Hope & Healing, providing funding to purchase their building and operate two signature programs.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Grants Arizona Friends of Foster Children $375,000 to Support Arizona Youth in Foster Care.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has generously awarded Arizona Friends of Foster Children (AFFCF) a multi-year grant totaling $375,000 in support of the Keys to Success program, aimed at helping youth aging out of foster care. There are nearly 10,000 children in Arizona’s foster care system with approximately 900 youth aging out of the system every year.

President and CEO of AFFCF, Luis De La Cruz states, “This long-term investment and partnership with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation serves as an enabling force to help us change the story of foster care in Arizona.”

“Every child should have the right to find their own path and pursue their dreams,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation is helping foster youth discover the best version of themselves.”

Keys to Success is the gold standard of individualized person-centered support in Arizona, focused on employment, education, housing, and financial literacy for youth aging out of the foster care system. In 2024, Keys to Success will serve 350 youth across three counties in Arizona (Maricopa, Yavapai, and Pima). The goal of Keys to Success is to help youth aging out of foster care achieve self-sufficiency that leads them to discover their potential and a pathway to living-wage employment. Once enrolled in the program, participants work with a team that helps them:

Identify short and long-term career goals.
Prepare for and secure employment.
Identify and complete education/training that aligns with their career plans.
Develop life skills and build upon personal interests.
Connect to partnering organizations that provide additional services or resources.

“Keys to Success helped me see that my future can be great,” says Victoria, a Keys to Success program participant. “Before, I didn’t think I was going to graduate high school. Now I’m planning for a career in the medical field.”

The latest program statistics show 88 percent of program participants secure employment within one year of enrollment, and 79 percent of program youth who completed their GED enrolled in post-secondary or vocational training. The dedicated team teaches youth how to navigate job applications, school applications and so much more. The grant awarded by The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will assist AFFCF in sustaining service levels across the state in the Keys to Success program.

“Programs like Keys to Success are so vital to our community,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “As children age out of foster care, they often have nowhere to turn. Thankfully, Arizona Friends of Foster Care Foundation is there to provide much needed support during a pivotal time of transition.”

Local First Arizona Receives $1 Million for Community Garden and Entrepreneurship Programs from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

*Photo downloads:* *Heart & Soil People’s Garden*, *Fuerza Local* *and* *We Rise*

In the largest private donation in Local First Arizona’s 21-year history, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has awarded the nonprofit more than $1 million to expand community gardens and entrepreneur development.

The funds will allow Local First Arizona to double the size of the Heart & Soil People’s Garden and expand programming for the surrounding central Phoenix community. The grant will also support Local First’s business accelerators Fuerza Local, Nivel Ejecutivo and We Rise, all of which are designed to supercharge Spanish-speaking and Black entrepreneurs’ success.

“The extraordinary generosity of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will enable Local First Arizona to positively impact so many business owners and families in our community,” said Local First Arizona Founder & CEO Kimber Lanning. “These programs are truly envisioned and guided by the communities they serve to build healthy eating, economic well-being and strong neighborhoods from the ground up. Local First Arizona will continue unleashing our state’s potential with transformative gifts like this one.”

Heart & Soil People’s Garden, located at 1730 S. 2nd Street in Phoenix, was founded by Garden Director Chanika Forté in 2022 on land originally donated to Local First by longtime Business Coalition members Pat and Howard Fleischmann of Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair. Forté’s vision for a nurturing space for women growers and entrepreneurs transformed a once vacant lot in a food desert, an area defined by a lack of affordable and accessible healthy food options, into a lush urban farm that fosters a thriving, eco-conscious community.

A portion of the Parsons’ donation will finance the purchase of an adjacent property and construction of a classroom and bathroom, as well as help support operating costs like hiring additional garden staff.

“The expansion of the Heart & Soil People’s Garden is a testament to the passion and dedication our growers have poured into growing nutritious food for their families and connecting with their community,” Forté said. “The garden is more than a green corner lot in central Phoenix. It’s the epicenter of a movement to prioritize our health, our relationships, and our environment.”

Designated a People’s Garden by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2023, the women-led urban farm grows over 14,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables each year. Forté is a seventh-generation farmer and was one of only two Black beekeepers in Arizona until she began teaching a new generation of female hive caretakers, dubbed the BaeHive.

Experts warn farmland is disappearing in Maricopa County faster than anywhere else in the country, threatening the future of our local food supply. Urban farmers like Forté are training others to strengthen their food independence by nurturing healthy gardens and honey right in their own neighborhoods.

On a recent visit, Renee Parsons called the Heart & Soil People’s Garden “an oasis of healing and health.” She added, “It was a privilege to meet and hear the stories of six women who currently grow onsite at the garden, each of whom had a unique perspective on how this small area of land has made such a big impact on the community at large. The garden is more than a place where food is grown, it is a hub for education, empowerment, safety, health and belonging.”

In addition to the garden expansion, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation’s multi-year grant will support Local First’s business accelerator programs.

The Fuerza Local Business Accelerator is a six-month training program for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs who want to level up their businesses. Nivel Ejecutivo is an advanced-level accelerator for Spanish-speaking owners and managers. We Rise Business Accelerator is a six-month training program for Black entrepreneurs.

Each course has been created with experts from these communities to ensure culturally relevant and accurate curricula. Classes cover a wide range of topics such as business model development and planning, financial literacy, business licensing, customer service and networking.

“We believe in supporting populations that often get overlooked by mainstream philanthropy,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Investing in the future of entrepreneurs who have less access to certain opportunities is the right thing to do.”

The Fuerza Local Business Accelerator and Nivel Ejecutivo have graduated more than 1,100 entrepreneurs since 2013, while nearly 100 have graduated from We Rise since 2020. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation donation will go toward recruitment, instructors, mentors and the $1,000 matching checks that graduates receive when they save $1,000 during the program.

ONE Community Foundation Receives $100,000 Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

ONE Community Foundation, an Arizona-based non-profit committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity for all, is pleased to announce a $100,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

“We are incredibly grateful to have the support of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in our efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable Arizona and nation,” said Angela Hughey, President & Co-Founder of ONE Community Foundation. “The Parsons and their Foundation have long been supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and equality efforts, and we are excited to grow our partnership together,” concluded Ms. Hughey.

ONE Community Foundation works to empower, connect and educate Arizona’s LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, faith leaders, individuals and beyond on the benefits of respecting, protecting, and celebrating all who live in our great state.

“Everyone deserves to follow their dreams, to have a job that gives them purpose and a safe place to call home,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “No one should have to worry about being fired, denied services or discriminated against because they are part of the LGBTQ+ community.”

The grant will help support and expand several key ONE Community Foundation programs that work to educate the community on the benefits of inclusive policies, including:

Expanding the ONE Community Institute, which helps train businesses and organizations around Arizona on the benefits of inclusion and helps transform how these businesses shape their internal and external policies surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion.

Expanding the UNITY Pledge program. As the largest equality pledge in the nation, this investment will help reach additional municipalities in the West Valley as well as rural communities across the state.
The launch of the Better Together podcast, which shares stories about people from all walks of life who are working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others. These stories teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division.
Support for ONE Community Foundation’s partnership with the national Equality and Fairness Coalition, allowing Arizona cohort members to take part in a fellowship program that brings leaders together from all walks of life. Participants often come from communities that are perceived as oppositional with the goal of building bridges and bringing people together. Today, more than ever, we need to relearn how to value people from different walks of life, instead of seeing people who are different as a threat.

“Although progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in building workplaces and businesses where LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe to be themselves,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “We’re proud to support ONE Community Foundation’s commitment to creating an Arizona where all are treated equally, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity or sexual identity.”

A simple way to get involved and make an impact is to join the 3,400 businesses, 20,000 individuals and 500 faith leaders committed to equality for all Americans by signing the ONE Community UNITY Pledge.

Homeless Youth Connection Receives $600,000 Over Two Years from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

Funds To Support the Empowering Youth for the Future Program and Help Keep Youth Off the Streets

Homeless Youth Connection (HYC) has received a $600,000 multi-year grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to support the agency’s Empowering Youth for the Future program, with $100,000 of the grant being allocated to enhance and expand a multi-purpose space for in-kind donations, volunteer work and staff functions. Construction will begin later this year on their Sunnyslope facility.

HYC’s program offers youth experiencing homelessness, ages 13 to 21, comprehensive case management, assistance with basic needs (hygiene items, gift cards for groceries, school supplies including laptops, etc.) housing resources, life skills training and access to healthcare services.

“Youth facing homelessness are incredibly vulnerable and have an uphill battle without the right support,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Homeless Youth Connection helps ensure that, despite a rough start, these kids can still have a shot at a bright and promising future.”

The Empowering Youth for the Future program aims to provide meaningful resources that encourage young people to finish high school and plan for post-secondary education. Each youth is paired with a Youth Coach to identify their strengths and goals and establish a personalized action plan to attain those goals. They connect weekly, both virtually and in person to discuss their progress. Through this authentic engagement, youth develop a sense of safety, structure, belonging, self-worth and social contribution.

“This year, we had 123 individuals graduate and 15 seniors continuing their education with summer school or an additional senior semester,” said Dana Bailey, co-chief executive officer, Homeless Youth Connection. “These youth have worked so hard to complete high school and create a more stable future for themselves. We’re so proud of their hard work and couldn’t do it without support from organizations like The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.”

One of those graduates is Sam, a young man who has overcome incredible odds to not only graduate high school, but also create a bright future ahead for himself.

Sam’s childhood was far from easy. At the age of 11, he was adopted into a family that turned out to be emotionally and physically abusive. He endured years of mistreatment and never felt like he belonged. As he entered his senior year of high school, Sam’s adoptive family kicked him out of their home. With no place to go, he found himself sleeping in a park, unsure of what the future held for him. That’s when he was referred to Homeless Youth Connection.

It was through HYC that Sam found hope. Under the guidance and support of HYC, Sam was able to find a stable living situation and focus on his studies. He received necessary resources like counseling, case management and life skills support to give him the confidence to look ahead and plan for his future. Despite the challenges he faced, Sam persevered and recently graduated from high school with a 3.4 GPA.
Sam’s story doesn’t end there. After graduation, he plans to join the Navy and serve his country. Eventually, he dreams of earning a bachelor’s degree in either business or criminal justice.

“Homeless Youth Connection goes beyond meeting the basic needs of the young people they serve by addressing them holistically and setting a course toward achieving their dreams,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Everyone deserves hope for a brighter future, and HYC helps young people experiencing homelessness maintain that hope as they overcome great adversity.”

An integral part of the program is HYC’s strong relationships with host families to provide stable housing, food, transportation and all-around, at-home care and support throughout the youth’s academic journey. This allows each HYC youth to build stronger relationships and interpersonal skills, experience stability in their home life and learn positive life skills that lead to full independence.

During the 2023-2024 school year, HYC served more than 600 youth in Maricopa County and 21 youth in Coconino County. The nonprofit provides academic support and housing, along with employment, career development and financial literacy services.

Project Sanctuary Receives $500,000 from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Support Healing of Military Families.

June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month and Project Sanctuary is helping military families, active-duty and veterans who are living with PTSD on a journey toward healing. The nonprofit is pleased to announce a $500,000 multi-year general operating grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. This generous gift will allow Project Sanctuary to provide therapeutic retreats and personalized case management to at-risk military families nationwide and at the new Project Sanctuary Retreat Center in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

“The support of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is a true gift of healing for at-risk military families,” notes Project Sanctuary CEO and Founder Heather Ehle Ray. “Together we will provide these families with the tools, resources and support they need to build stronger family connections and navigate the challenges they have experienced as a result of their service to our country.”

Since 2007, Project Sanctuary has focused on one mission: to transform, empower and heal military families. By providing education and support around relationship reconnection, communication/conflict resolution, financial habits and goals, and mental health/wellbeing in an immersive, therapeutic retreat environment, Project Sanctuary has built a national reputation for delivering the support military families need and deserve.

Offered in multiple locations across the United States, Project Sanctuary retreats are staffed by licensed counselors, certified recreational therapists, and culturally competent military veterans. Many of the families Project Sanctuary serves are navigating life with mental health challenges including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Bob Parsons, a Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran, understands firsthand the struggles of PTSD, and shares his experience in his New York Times bestselling book, Fire in the Hole!: The Untold Story of My Traumatic Life and Explosive Success. “When you suffer from PTSD, it can interfere with relationships, work, and your everyday life,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Our military families deserve to have someone by their side to help them rebuild and deal with these challenges. Project Sanctuary is making sure they don’t go at it alone.”

Project Sanctuary understands the importance of involving the children and the spouse/caregiver in the process of navigating the impact of military service and moving forward together as a family. From frequent Permanent Changes of Station to deployments and the visible and invisible injuries that come from service, when the family heals together, they thrive.

“The impacts of military service ripple far beyond the individual service member,” added Renee Parsons, co-founder, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Through their therapeutic retreats, Project Sanctuary provides not only the individual service member, but also their family, with the tools necessary to effectively communicate, address their mental health needs, and face life’s big decisions together. We’re proud to support these programs that offer military families much needed hope.”

Project Sanctuary purchased a retreat center in Pagosa Springs, Colorado in December 2023. The new location is a true sanctuary, nestled on 42 acres of land surrounded by the San Juan National Forest. The retreat center will be undergoing a transformation of its own to better accommodate its guests and make this a place of hope and healing for military families.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Recognized for $100M in Support Over 12 Years at The Fund’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund), a San Diego-based national veteran nonprofit organization that provides lifetime support to critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families, proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary on May 17th, marking two decades of unwavering dedication to the veteran community. 

“For 20 years, the great generosity of our donors and steadfast dedication of our team has enabled The Fund to fulfill our promise to care for our critically wounded, ill, and injured service members by providing vital, life-changing support,” said Karen Guenther, President, CEO, and Founder of Semper Fi & America’s Fund. “For over two decades, The Fund’s ongoing care has allowed our military families to find hope amidst injuries and illnesses that have forever changed their lives. The moment you join The Fund family, you are a member for life and are never forgotten or alone on the road to recovery and beyond.” 

Since 2004, The Fund has provided holistic support to over 33,000 service members, veterans, and military families. Offering personalized case management, meaningful connections, and lifelong assistance to individuals from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, The Fund ensures tailored resources to guide military families on the path of post-traumatic growth. 

“The Fund’s impact on my recovery journey changed my life,” says Navy Veteran and longtime Fund service member Daniel “Doc” Jacobs. “Sixteen years after losing my leg while on deployment, I underwent a second leg amputation. The Fund was there from day one and has remained by my side throughout it all. Their support for my family and me has been instrumental as we continue to grapple with the wounds of war.”  

 To commemorate 20 years of unwavering support, The Fund hosted a celebratory event on May 2nd at Camp Pendleton as a testament to the incredible resilience and strength of our combat-wounded service members, veterans, and military families. 

Attendees listened to insightful speeches from distinguished military leaders like General Joseph Dunford alongside heartfelt testimonials from local combat-wounded service members who have been assisted by The Fund. Special guests included Bob and Renee Parsons, co-founders of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, who were honored for their steadfast support of The Fund.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has partnered with The Fund to provide more than $100 million over 12 years in life-changing support to military families, ensuring the vital care of those who preserve our freedom. During their acceptance speech, Bob, a Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran, spoke passionately about mental health, PTSD, and his upcoming book, Fire in the Hole!: The Untold Story of My Traumatic Life and Explosive Success. Sharing more about the impact of PTSD, Renee spoke about the ripple effect of such trauma going well beyond the individual, illustrating the importance of supporting the entire family on their road to healing.

For more information about The Fund and its 20th anniversary, please visit thefund.org or contact Todd Merryman at [email protected].

100 Club of Arizona Raises Record $1.5 Million with a $1 Million Investment from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation at Annual Heroes Gala.

The 100 Club of Arizona, a nonprofit organization that supports firefighters, police, public safety officers and their families, raised a record $1.5 million with a $1 million investment coming from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation at the 2024 Annual Heroes Gala called “Boots & Badges” on Saturday, April 20 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The event honored a firefighter and a police officer of the year who were nominated and selected by a vote of their peers. Additionally, Bob & Renee Parsons were honored as this year’s Community Hero and Heroine of the Year.

“Over $1,500,000 was raised at our Annual Heroes Gala, in large part thanks to a transformational gift of $1,000,000 directly from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation,” said Angela Harrolle, president & CEO of the 100 Club of Arizona. “Their remarkable generosity, coupled with the unwavering support of our dedicated attendees, underscores our collective commitment to honoring those that serve and assist Arizona’s courageous first responders in their time of need.”

The 100 Club of Arizona honored the following:

Police Officer of the Year recipient: Officer Broque Draper. A call to a homeless encampment changed the lives of Apache Junction police officer Broque Draper and his wife Lismary. During the call, Draper met a homeless six-year-old girl, with whom he connected immediately. Months later, the girl and her newborn sister needed a home where they could be well cared for. Draper and his wife immediately stepped in to become emergency foster parents for the siblings, with the newborn being just three days old. The couple have fully welcomed the girls into their family and are now in the process of adopting the sisters.

Firefighter of the Year recipient: Glynn Ross. Firefighter Glynn Ross was driving Phoenix Fire Engine 925 westbound to a call for service when an accident in the eastbound lanes pushed a sedan in front of the firetruck. Ross reacted quickly, performing an evasive maneuver to avoid a dangerous full impact to the side of the sedan. Ross put himself at greater risk performing this maneuver, but ultimately minimized harm to passengers in the sedan and his colleagues in the fire engine. As a result of his actions, the other three crew members were evaluated and released with minor injuries following the collision, while Ross sustained significant injuries to his lower left leg, knee, rib cage, shoulder and head and was transported by ambulance to the nearest trauma center. Several immediate surgeries and a subsequent stay in a physical rehabilitation center, followed by additional surgeries were necessary for Ross’s recovery.

Community Hero and Heroine of the Year recipients: Bob and Renee Parsons. Bob and Renee Parsons are dedicated to the safety of Arizona’s police officers, firefighters, and their families. The couple’s foundation has supported the 100 Club of Arizona since 2013 when the Yarnell Fires struck northern Arizona and claimed the lives of 19 wildland firefighters. Their support has evolved over the years to become more focused on helping first responders and their families get the mental health and wellness treatment they need to continue to show up on and off duty. With this new gift, the Parsons have committed over $9.5 million to 100 Club of Arizona.

“I believe that first responders are the foundation of our society—without them cities will descend into chaos” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and author of a new book, Fire in the Hole. “But our first responders carry scars that we can’t always see as a result of their brave service to our community. This is why Renee and I support 100 Club’s mental health programs, so that help is available and stigma free.”

The 100 Club of Arizona provides much needed support to public safety agencies, their members and families statewide. Today, services have expanded beyond financial assistance to include funding for enhanced safety equipment, assistance with confidential mental health services and scholarships.

“When someone picks up the phone in their darkest hour, in the heat of a moment when they’re deathly afraid, our first responders are always there, ready to answer the call,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “100 Club of Arizona serves a critical need, ensuring our first responders know that they, too, have support when they need it most.”

To conclude the event’s program, attendees also had the honor to hear from Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan and wife, Chelsea. In 2021, with less than one year on the force, Tyler was shot eight times in the line of duty resulting in incredibly severe injuries and a long road to rehabilitation. Tyler and Chelsea have received on-duty-injury support through 100 Club of Arizona since the tragic incident and shared their heartfelt gratitude to the organization and its supporters.

Semper Fi & America’s Fund Exceeds Double Down for Veterans Match Goal, Bringing Total Contributions from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG to over $100 Million in 12 Years.

Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund) partnered with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation (The Foundation) and Parsons Extreme Golf (PXG) for the 12^th annual Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign, surpassing their $20 million goal, raising $26.8 million in two months, including a $10 million match from The Foundation and PXG. The Campaign, which started as a $1 million match in 2012, has grown 10-fold over the years. As The Fund’s impact grew, so did the Parsons’ generosity, bringing their total donations to The Fund to over $100,000,000 in 12 years. Proceeds from the Campaign will go directly towards supporting service members, veterans, and military families across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. While the goal has been reached, the need to support our Nation’s heroes is greater now than ever!

“It’s a privilege to work alongside Bob and Renee to honor our military families,” said Karen Guenther, President, CEO, and Founder at Semper Fi & America’s Fund. “The unwavering dedication of generous organizations like The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG ensures our military families are not alone in their recovery and their sacrifices are honored for a lifetime.”

Semper Fi & America’s Fund began their partnership with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in 2012 to support The Fund’s core mission of assisting combat-wounded, critically ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Since the beginning of the partnership, the Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign has now raised $220 million for the veteran community, bringing total support from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG to over $100 million.

Since its humble beginnings in 2003 as a small group of military spouses providing bedside support to service members wounded in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, The Fund has provided $325 million in assistance through programming and support to more than 31,000 service members, veterans, and military families.

“I know firsthand what military service members endure in service to this country – and just how critical community support is at every stage,” said Bob Parsons, Marine Corps Vietnam war veteran and co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are reminding veterans and their families that they are never alone when returning home.”

“The Fund stands out among the many veteran-centered organizations for its holistic commitment to health and wellness,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Physical health is important, especially to combat-wounded individuals, but mental and spiritual wellbeing are just as critical while service members adjust to their new normal.”