SCOTTSDALE, AZ (September 3, 2024) – After a record-breaking season in 2023, the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers program returns this fall to deliver $1.25 million straight into Arizona classrooms. In Arizona's most robust teacher support program, 500 teachers will receive $2,500 each for the second consecutive year as the program enters its ninth year overall.

All Arizona K-12 public and charter school teachers, staff and coaches are eligible to receive much-deserved funding for their classrooms. The application process is simple, requiring only a few minutes to fill out how a teacher will use a $2,500 wish to help fill a need for students. Accessible through WishesForTeachers.org, the application is open through Monday, September 30, at 10 p.m.

"Teachers inspire and create hope for Arizona's students in their personal development and that is why the support that Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers provides is so vital," said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses. "Fiesta Sports Foundation and our partners are pleased to honor, support and celebrate teachers by providing additional funding to help with the necessary resources they require to do what they do best – engage and inspire kids."

Through the generous support from attendees at the Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Sports Foundation Football Kickoff presented by Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, funds were raised that will fulfill 91 of the 500 wishes.

Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers is in its ninth year as Arizona's largest annual teacher financial support initiative. The Fiesta Sports Foundation identified that teachers spent their own money to fill their classroom needs and so the Wishes for Teachers program was created in 2016 to enhance classrooms and support teachers. Wishes for Teachers has granted nearly $7 million to 2,100 Arizona teachers, impacting 920,000-plus students across the state in its first eight years.

Over the past eight years, wishes have ranged from new computers and technology for classrooms to drones, special education sensory and manipulative materials, vision testing and glasses for students, podcast equipment, after school character development supplies, libraries, laundry machines and more.

At the close of the application period, the 500 recipients will be selected at random and will be notified during the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers Draft Day presented by SRP in November.

Quick Facts about Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers:

• 500 teachers will receive a $2,500 grant, totaling $1,250,000 for second consecutive year
• Applications open on Tuesday, September 3 and close at 10 p.m. on Monday, September 30 via www.WishesForTeachers.org
• Nearly $7 million granted over the last eight years to 2,100 teachers through Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers
• 920,000+ students at more than 500 schools across the state have been impacted through Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers over the last eight years
• In 2023, 368 schools from 95 school districts and 73 different cities/town were represented
• Open to Arizona K-12 public and charter school teachers
• College Football Playoff Foundation has been a financial and supporting partner in all eight years of the program

ABOUT FIESTA BOWL ORGANIZATION
Since its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaBowl.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on Twitter.

ABOUT PALO VERDE
Palo Verde Generating Station is a nuclear energy facility located about 50 miles west of downtown Phoenix. The site has seven owners in four states: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California. It is operated by Arizona Public Service. Palo Verde is the largest clean electricity generator in the nation and produces enough energy to power about 4 million homes and small businesses across the southwest.