Arizona Humane Society Receives $100,000 Matching Gift Following 16th Annual Pet Telethon.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Give $100K

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Commits to the Well-being of Animals

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (August 25, 2014) – Well-known Valley philanthropists Bob and Renee Parsons supported the Arizona Humane Society’s 16th Annual Pet Telethon with a major gift. The couple donated $25,000 on behalf of each of their “furkids” – Max, Chief, Ninety-nine, and Eighty-eight – for a total donation of $100,000.

“Our animals bring so much joy to our family,” said philanthropist Renee Parsons. “Like the Arizona Humane Society, Bob and I believe that every animal deserves a good life. By matching the funds raised during the Arizona Humane Society’s Pet Telethon we had the opportunity double the impact of the gifts pledged and ultimately enhance the quality of life for homeless Arizona animals.”

The telethon, held on Saturday, August 23, 2014, was the culmination of the Summer to Save Lives, an eight-week community engagement campaign in partnership with 3TV. The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) rescues, heals, adopts and advocates for homeless, sick, injured and abused animals. Through collaborative partnerships, affordable community services, emergency rescue and a medical trauma center, AHS is committed to providing second chances and saving the lives of more animals.

Bob & Renee Parsons Accept the #ALSIceBucketChallenge.

It was a cold morning in Scottsdale for Bob & Renee Parsons who accepted the #ALSIceBucketChallenge. Renee got office easy, doused with a shot glass of ice water. However, two 100 qt coolers of ice spread between the 10 buckets of cold water, as well as three 10 pound bags of ice were made ready for Bob, who pledged to donate $10,000/bucket poured to ALS Arizona.

A Stepping Stone’s Literacy Program Earns the Support of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

Valley’s Most Vulnerable Parents Commit to Bettering Themselves For The Sake Of Their Children

PHOENIX, AZ (June 26, 2014) – More than 42 million Americans can’t read. In an effort to combat multi-generational illiteracy in the greater Phoenix area The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation today announced a $360,000 grant to A Stepping Stone Foundation. The grant will enable the organization to expand its tuition free whole-family literacy and early childhood education programs to help transform more lives through education.

Funding from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will specifically help A Stepping Stone deliver quality preschool and adult education, as well as parenting classes, to underserved families in the Phoenix community. The grant will also enable the organization to conduct in-home visits to assess and support the needs of families with young children.

“The significance of this program in the lives and futures of these families is huge,” said Bob Parsons. “By electing to participate, parents are removing barriers to success – bringing stories to life for their children and opening doors for themselves.”

Early childhood programs are the most effective way to ensure healthy development of children who live in poverty and offer the greatest returns to society. Focused on families with the utmost need, A Stepping Stone’s model hinges on making parents a partner in their children’s education by holding them accountable for improving their own.

Parents who participate sign a contract pledging to complete pre-determined educational requirements through the A Stepping Stone, such as working toward their GED or ESL certificate. In return, their preschool age children receive a well-rounded education which follow-up studies inform us prepares them to be more successful than their peers.

“Sometimes to help a child you have to help their parents too, which is exactly the model A Stepping Stone has created,” said Renee Parsons. “By addressing the literacy needs of families with limited opportunities, Bob and I believe the organization is helping break the cycle of poverty in our community.”

“The grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is a game changer,” said A Stepping Stone Foundation Executive Director Cynthia Gattorna. “The grant not only provides a sound backbone for the continuation of our program, but it also gives us the breathing room we needed to expand our program outside of the Phoenix area.”

UMOM New Day Centers announces a new affordable housing project generously funded by the Arizona Department of Housing and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

Phoenix, AZ (June 24, 2014) – Thanks to the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, UMOM New Day Centers will undertake a new affordable housing project for at-risk families in Phoenix. On Friday, June 6, ADOH awarded UMOM approximately $9.4 million in financing to build a new housing community. Today, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation announced that it will provide an additional $3 million in funding to support the project.

“The financing from the Arizona Department of Housing and funding from The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation will allow UMOM to continue toward our goal of providing every needy family with an affordable place to live,” said UMOM CEO Darlene Newsom. “The additional housing units will go a long way to support the ever growing need for affordable housing in our community.”

“Home – a simple word that means so much,” said Renee Parsons. “Yet for thousands of people in our community home doesn’t exist. By partnering with UMOM to build additional affordable housing units, Bob and I believe that we can help inspire hope and be part of a rapid-rehousing solution for homelessness.”

In 2011 UMOM acquired North Mountain Lodge Motel in the Sunny Slope area, located adjacent to one of organization’s Next Step Housing properties, Casa de Paz Sahuaro Apartments. The investments from ADOH and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will allow UMOM to demolish the dilapidated structure and construct 48 brand new one, two and three bedroom affordable housing apartments.

The funds will also support the build-out of a 5,500 square foot community programs service center to support the needs of residents at both properties. The center will provide critical services such as job search assistance, GED tutoring and wellness programs.

On any given day 50 to 75 families are on UMOM’s shelter waiting list and hundreds more seek affordable housing. The 48 additional units will greatly assist UMOM in moving people off the waitlist and into a home. Of the 48 units, at least 34 will be set aside for chronically homeless individuals and families with preference given to Veterans. UMOM anticipates construction to start early next year with occupancy in Fall 2015.

“The idea of standing idle while a waitlist for affordable housing grows is simply not an option,” said Bob Parsons. “There are families in this community who need a leg-up and a second chance at becoming first-class citizens. Renee and I have every intention to help make a long-term difference in the fight to end homelessness in the greater Phoenix area and we believe that UMOM’s new housing community is a great next step.”

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is a long-time supporter of UMOM New Day Centers. In 2012 the Foundation awarded UMOM $5 million to enable the center to pay off their mortgage on the 7.2 acre main campus, which provides emergency shelter and transitional housing, and dramatically expand the programs and services available.

UMOM’s Mission: to prevent and end homelessness with innovative strategies and housing solutions that meet the unique needs of each family and individual.

Warrior Canine Connection Therapy Inspires Hope for Thousands of Injured Combat Veterans.

$850,000 Donation from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Helps Fund New Warrior Healing Quarters

Brookeville, MD (June 3, 2014) – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a non-profit that utilizes clinically based canine therapy to bring hope and healing to thousands of wounded warriors, has been awarded an $850,000 grant by The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation. The grant will support the development of the Warrior Canine Connection Healing Quarters in Germantown, MD.

The new facility, which will serve as Warrior Canine Connection’s headquarters, will enable the organization to dramatically expand their nationally recognized Canine Connection Therapy program. The program was specifically designed to provide a safe, effective, non-pharmaceutical alternative therapy for combat trauma. The program addresses the ongoing needs of warriors with psychological wounds, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as those who require highly trained service dogs.

“As a former Navy Surgeon, I am all too aware of the high price that our combat Veterans have paid in recent conflicts,” said Dr. Robert Rosenbaum (LCDR, USN, Ret.), President of WCC’s Board of Directors. “As a neurosurgeon, I have personally witnessed both the challenges and critical need for promising treatment modalities like those provided by WCC. With the support of The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, I believe WCC’s impressive program will be able to successfully serve thousands more Veterans with debilitating injuries.”

“Our country’s wounded Veterans, who have sacrificed so very much to protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, deserve not only our respect, but also our support,” said entrepreneur, philanthropist and Marine Corps Veteran Bob Parsons. “By rallying together to create a home for critical therapies such as the Canine Connection program, I believe we can really make a difference in the long-term health and well-being of our injured service men and women.”

Through a one of a kind apprentice-in-residence program, WCC enlists service members who are currently battling the effects of combat stress in the critical mission of training service dogs for fellow wounded warriors. Over the course of two years, more than 60 warriors can experience relief from their psychological wounds through participation in the training of a single dog.

“It’s almost impossible to put into words how very important working with these dogs has been to me,” said one program participant. “Training these dogs has helped me rebuild my confidence level and feel like I am functioning as an effective member of the Army and of society.”

A portion of the Foundation’s award has been earmarked as a challenge grant whereby the Foundation will match all donations, dollar for dollar, up to $300,000 to support the construction and operation of the new Center.

“With this amazing new facility and location, we will be able to reach out to an underserved Veteran population while remaining in close proximity to our existing programs in the National Capital Region,” said Rick Yount, Warrior Canine Connection founder and executive director. “The 80 acre property will act as a new ‘Healing Quarters’ for wounded warriors, their families and medical caregivers.”

Compelling Personal Stories Inspire Dollar-for-Dollar Match & $1MM Gift for HIV/AIDS Organization.

Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS Partnership with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and the Phoenix Community Stronger than Ever

PHOENIX, AZ (May 14, 2014) – Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS raised more than $1.5 million* during its annual Night for Life Gala presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Richard P. Stahl in downtown Phoenix on May 10, 2014. The emotional and uplifting celebration, which was co-chaired by First Lady of Phoenix Nicole Stanton and Southwest Center Founder Kirk Baxter, was a way for guests to re:MEMBER, re:ACT and re:COMMIT to the fight against HIV and AIDS.

During the much-talked-about event, Bob and Renee Parsons announced that their Foundation would match, dollar-for-dollar, every donation made over the course of the program, which included a live auction and emotional appeal. The match inspired the 600 guests, many of whom were brought to tears, to dig deep and give generously.

Moved by the courage of seven HIV positive clients who revealed their status and story for the first time during the appeal, Bob and Renee Parsons pledged an additional one million dollars. Bob Parsons shared the significance of their personal commitment to the cause while on stage, emotionally reflecting on the loss of his cousins David and Dean to AIDS in the 1980s.

“The days David and Dean died the world skipped a beat,” said Bob Parsons. “They were beautiful people who passed all too quickly from a disease that was grossly misunderstood. Like me, many people are only one-degree of separation from someone who is impacted by this terrible disease. HIV and AIDS does not discriminate by race, gender, class or age group – anyone can contract it. And anyone who does needs to know that they should not be ashamed and we believe in their right to choose life. We need to stand together and break the stigmas that surround HIV and AIDS forever.”

“This is a cause that is incredibly close to our hearts,” added Renee Parsons. “And it is rewarding for Bob and me to be able to support the life changing work that Southwest Center is doing each and every day to bring hope for a cure to the HIV positive community.”

The prevalence of HIV in Arizona is on the rise. According to a study in 2012, nearly 17,000 people in Arizona were living with HIV. Of those individuals an estimated 18 percent were unaware of their infection.

To help raise critical awareness and dramatically expand the reach of its programs, Southwest Center launched The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness in 2013. The Center is the only facility in the Southwestern U.S. to combine prevention and education programs, health and wellness services, as well as research and clinical trials in a single location. Today, the Center will serve more than 30,000 at-risk and HIV positive individuals in Arizona.

“Bob and Renee Parsons have played a critical role in the growth of Southwest Center,” said Interim Executive Director Bruce Weiss. “Their commitment to our organization has helped us build an incredible facility and sustain our programs, and is helping us to improve our infrastructure and capacity. They are truly a ‘game changer.’ Mr. Parsons moved the house when he shared his personal story Saturday night and, by opening his heart, further gave life to why he is, and why we are, here.”

Southwest Center congratulates this year’s Night for Life Honorees:
Tom Simplot – 2014 Outstanding Achievement Award
Jack Black – 2014 Outstanding Achievement Award
John Musil – 2014 Community Champion Award
Mike Sparaco – 2014 Outstanding Philanthropist Award
Holly Street Studio Architects – 2014 Corporate Leadership Award
Hardison/Downey Construction, Inc. – 2014 Corporate Leadership Award
Sue Adams – 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award

*$430,000 was the gross amount raised prior to the match and $1 million gift.

To learn more about the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS visit, www.SWCENTER.org.

$288,000 GRANT FROM THE BOB & RENEE PARSONS FOUNDATION HELPS ARIZONA GIRLS BREAK THE INTERGENERATIONAL CYCLE OF INCARCERATION.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars Program Receives Largest Gift To-Date

PHOENIX, AZ (April 30, 2014) – The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has awarded $288,000 to Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council to sustain and expand the capacity of the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) program. Girl Scouts Beyond Bars,a groundbreaking prevention program, empowers girls to not only reconnect with their imprisoned mothers, but also break the intergenerational cycle of incarceration.

In Arizona, 96,000 children have a parent in jail or prison on any given day. These children are among the most vulnerable populations at-risk. Ashamed and often isolated these children are 5 – 7 times more likely to end up behind bars themselves.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars helps girls bond with their incarcerated mothers to decrease the impact of parental separation during critical development years. Girls get to see their mothers regularly and work with them on activities that are designed to help develop leadership skills, build confidence and encourage healthy decision-making. Through this shared Girl Scouting experience the program nurtures, and in some cases reestablishes, mother-daughter relationships. Additionally, girls participate in a troop, which provides opportunities to build supportive friendships with other young women in similar circumstances.

Girls with incarcerated parents may face unique obstacles, but through GSBB they are simply Girl Scouts. They participate in traditional Girl Scout leadership experiences, like earning badges, selling cookies and going to camp, and are supported by dedicated staff and volunteers.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, offered at no cost to girls ages 5 – 17, meets every Saturday; alternately visiting with their moms inside prison walls and attending troop meetings in the community. In 2013, GSBB served 75 girls and their mothers. With this grant, Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) plans to increase GSBB’s reach to 100 girls and their mothers, train 25-50 more volunteers and hold the program year-round.

“By investing in preventative programs (like GSBB) to create healthier families and communities, cycles can be broken and many of the tragedies facing girls today can be averted,” said Tamara Woodbury, GSACPC CEO. “We are so grateful to have the backing of Bob and Renee Parsons who see the value of Girl Scouting and its long-term impact on girls.”

“Bob and I believe that Girls Scouts is one of the most forward-thinking organizations focused on issues that impact women and girls,” said philanthropist Renee Parsons. “Programs like Girls Scouts Beyond Bars inspire a sense of self-worth, potential and most importantly hope, which we believe is critical to building a healthier future for our state.”

Girl Scouting has been a powerful force in the lives of millions of girls – instilling in them increased self-confidence in their decision-making abilities and their capacity to become strong leaders in their own lives and communities. According to Girl Scouting Works: The Alumnae Impact Study, conducted by The Girl Scout Research Institute, Girl Scouts are more likely to graduate from high school and seek higher education, be more engaged in volunteer service in their communities, and are more likely to vote and seek positions of leadership, than their peers.

GSACPC’s GSBB program was established in 1994 as a partnership with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Mothers are recruited through the Arizona Department of Corrections-Perryville Prison and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office-Estrella Jail to participate in the program, and are required to attend parenting classes facilitated by GSACPC. To learn more about Girl Scouts Beyond Bars visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/just-us-social-justice-program/.

THE BOB & RENEE PARSONS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $5.25MM GIFT TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF METRO PHOENIX.

Grant to help fund new Clubhouse in impoverished Phoenix neighborhood

Phoenix, AZ (April 29, 2014) – The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation donated a record-breaking $5.25 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix in a surprise announcement on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. It is the single largest gift made by the Foundation to date and the single largest gift received by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix (BGCMP) in its 67 year history. The transformational grant will enable the Clubs to continue their mission to better serve the needs of at-risk Valley children.

Bob Parsons, founder and executive chairman of Scottsdale-based GoDaddy, and his wife, Renee, made the announcement during the grand opening celebration for the new Bob & Renee Parsons Teen Center at the Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix. The new Parsons Teen Center will not only provide teens in the Maryvale area with safety, meals and positive mentorship, it will also offer a range of programs including homework help, leadership development, community service, computer programming classes, guitar lessons and sports leagues.

During the celebration, Bob and Renee shared their inspiration for giving back to their community through the Boys & Girls Clubs.

“I struggled a lot as a kid; I didn’t do well in school and, as a teenager, I couldn’t quite figure out who I was, let alone who I was going to be,” said Bob Parsons during his speech. “It was in the Marine Corps that I learned the things that would make all the difference in my life. But I am certain, if I had access to the mentors, resources and safe haven that The Boys & Girls Clubs offer, my turn-around would have come much sooner.”

“Bob and I believe that every child, regardless of background or situation, is entitled to an education, good nutrition, a stress free happy environment and the hope that they too, will share in the American Dream,” added Renee Parsons. “We wholeheartedly believe that the work that is being done at Boys and Girls Clubs, each and every day, is changing lives.”

Following their moving speech, the Parsons conferred quietly between themselves before stepping forward to announce the record-breaking gift.

Initially, Renee Parsons announced that the Foundation would double its initial gift of $250,000 for the Teen Center, which will enable the branch to further enhance the facility. She also pledged one million dollars to support the operation of the 12 Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix.

Not done yet, Bob Parsons announced a $4 million grant to found The Bob & Renee Parsons Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix. The previously unnamed branch broke ground last month in the Balsz School District. Like most of the young people BGCMP serve, nearly all of the children in the new Club’s neighborhood live at or below the poverty line and half come from broken homes. Many children in the district are refugees from other countries and nearly 1 in 10 are homeless. The new Parsons Branch will be a sanctuary where children and teens can participate in educational and leadership programs, as well as build healthy relationships with adults and peers.

The new Parsons Branch will also house community meeting spaces and BGCMP’s program support offices. It will be BGCMP’s thirteenth branch.

Following the surprise announcements, many attendees were visibly moved. Amy Gibbons, President and Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix said:

“Bob and Renee Parsons are true heroes for our community’s children. Their generous spirit and compassion will provide safety, smiles and opportunity to thousands of children who need us most. Thanks to The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, generations of children will have the opportunity to stay safe and healthy, succeed in school, make smart choices and achieve their dreams.”

Since 1946, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix has empowered young people in Phoenix and the West Valley to reach their full potential as caring, productive, responsible citizens. Nearly 23,000 children and teens count on 12 clubhouses after school and during the summer for safety, hot meals, positive friends and countless opportunities to be great.

If you want to help vulnerable children in the Valley reach their full potential, visit www.bgcaz.org.

THE BOB & RENEE PARSONS FOUNDATION AWARDS $250,000 GRANT TO CIRCLE THE CITY MEDICAL RESPITE CENTER.

PHOENIX, AZ (April 24, 2014) – The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to Circle the City Medical Respite Center, a 50-bed facility that provides supervised medical care to homeless individuals who are recovering from illness or injury. Each individual admitted to the Center receives assistance from a dedicated case manager, who helps connect patients with relevant benefits, employment resources and ultimately housing.

“We are grateful for the compassionate gift from Bob and Renee Parsons which will help men and women recover from illness and discover a better life,” said Circle the City’s founder, president and medical director Sister Adele O’Sullivan, CSJ, MD. “Their generosity is helping us serve the homeless population in the greater Phoenix area, and fill a critical need within our Valley’s healthcare landscape.”

For many, Circle the City is the first step on the path to healthy, independent living. When admitted to Circle the City’s Medical Respite Center, patients are surrounded by a wide variety of services aimed at healing each patient medically, emotionally and spiritually. This holistic approach gives each individual patient the best possible chance to not only heal from his or her illness or injury, but break the cycle of homelessness entirely.

“Through the Foundation’s support of Circle the City we have a real opportunity to change lives,” said Bob Parsons. “By focusing our resources on continuing to care for our community’s ill and injured homeless individuals we can promote long-term wellness and support their journey home.”

After completing their medical course of treatment, more than 75 percent of patients find transitional or permanent housing with the help of Circle the City.

In addition to the care delivered by physicians and nurses, patients are given access to mental health therapy, substance abuse treatment, AA groups and psychiatric consultations. Community volunteers surround respite center patients with engaging activities such as art therapy, chair yoga and group outings to local museums and sporting events. This community re-integration has proved to be as important to the healing process as the medications administered through the clinic.

“It is our wish that the Valley’s most vulnerable individuals will find sanctuary and, more importantly, hope in the holistic care they receive through Circle the City,” added Renee Parsons.

About Circle the City
Circle the City is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that provides for the unmet needs of homeless individuals and families in Greater Phoenix, especially during times of illness. Incorporated in 2008, the organization is dedicated to assisting with financial resources that make health care services possible where no other resources exist, and by providing basic necessities to help ease the burdens of homelessness. For more information, visit www.circlethecity.org.

$1.4MM Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Enables CASS to Triple the Impact of Non-Profit Pediatric Dental Center.

Bob & Renee Parsons Center of Excellence for Pediatric Dentistry at Murphy to Open in July 2014

Phoenix, AZ (April 22, 2014) – Central Arizona Shelter Services, Inc. (CASS) received a multi-year grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation for the renovation and operation of its Murphy Kids Dental Clinic. The clinic is the dental home for at-risk children in the Murphy School District in south Phoenix. The $1.4 million award will enable the pediatric dental clinic to triple its capacity over three years. By adding 10 new treatment chairs and extending the dental clinic’s reach into other school districts, the Clinic will serve 15,000 unique children by 2017.

More than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental related problems. In Arizona, more than 40 percent of low-income children lack access to dental care, the highest percentage of any U.S. state. In the Murphy School District, where nearly 50 percent of children live at or below the federal poverty level, poor dental health is an epidemic.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Center of Excellence for Pediatric Dentistry at Murphy will be the first non-profit, pediatric specialty clinic in Maricopa County. The Center will serve children living in poverty who are not eligible for Medicaid coverage at no cost, as well as those with AHCCCS-only coverage. Children insured through the state’s Medicaid program often exhibit the same degree of poor oral health as those children who are uninsured due to the lack of community dentists who accept AHCCCS coverage. By treating all siblings in a family, both insured and un-insured, the Center will be able to normalize dental care.

“The new Center will not only be able to provide children with ongoing dental care such as cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, and one-on-one oral health education, it will also offer root canals, braces, and no-cost surgery to repair cleft lips and palates, impacted teeth, and other congenital or trauma-induced malformations,” said CASS Dental Director Dr. Kris Volcheck, DDS, MBA. “The Center will truly be a Center of Excellence.”

“Providing quality care for children is a guiding principle of our Foundation,” said Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons. “Renee and I believe that every child, regardless of their current situation, background or other factors, is entitled to the medical care he or she needs.”

“Through our Foundation’s partnership with CASS we believe we can help thousands of at-risk children find their smiles and live healthier lives,” added Renee Parsons.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation’s grant will enable CASS to renovate its current space in the Murphy School District No. 21/Phoenix Rotary 100 Education and Health Center. The funds will also allow CASS to hire the clinical and support staff needed to operate the Center during its growth phase.

Through a collaboration with Maricopa Medical Center and Lutheran Medical Center of Dental Medicine in New York, two residents in pediatric dentistry will join the Center in July 2014. The addition will help ensure that all treatments are administered under the supervision of a Pediatric Specialist.