Curious to know where your ticket and concession dollars go at this volunteer-run, nonprofit tournament? The Thunderbirds are happy to tell you.
The Phoenix Thunderbirds stopped disclosing the record-breaking attendance numbers at the WM Phoenix Open several years ago, but a different record-breaking number is a proud matter of public record: $17.5 million. That’s the astounding figure raised for Valley charities after the conclusion of play last February. According to the Thunderbirds – who own and manage the tournament – it represents the largest sum ever raised in the 89-year history of the nonprofit event, eclipsing the $14.5 million raised by the Open in 2023.
“The WM Phoenix Open is a key philanthropic event that directly impacts organizations who support those in need,” says current Thunderbird “Big Chief” George Thimsen, who served as chairman of the 2024 WM Phoenix Open. “The hard work and collaboration with our city and state leaders, PGA TOUR players, sponsors, vendors, volunteers and enthusiastic fans has led to this enormously positive impact on our communities.”
Also momentous: The record-breaking haul in 2024 pushed the Phoenix Open’s all-time total largesse past the $200 million mark.
Notable recipients of the 2024 funding cycle include Valleywise Health, which used a $500,000 donation to launch the Thunderbird Charities Pediatric Burn Unit on its Phoenix campus. Valleywise provides medical services to uninsured or underinsured patients, or any patient regardless of their ability to pay.
Other WMPO Charity Recipients
$90,000
Local First Arizona
Supports business education programs for Spanish-speaking and Black entrepreneurs.
$60,000
Make-A-Wish AZ
Funds the creation of the “Wish Mobile,” an SUV that will play a vital role in granting wishes to ailing kids across the state.
$200,000
Watts Family Maryvale YMCA
Renovates the Miracle League Field, an inner-city baseball park that fell into disrepair.
$208,158,814
Money raised by the tournament since 1932. More than $142 million of that sum has been raised since 2010, when WM became the title sponsor.
