The West Valley Mavericks Foundation has announced the organization has distributed over $375,000 in grants to 82 non-profit organizations in the west valley and American Western Distribution is part of that contribution.

“Without the support of local businesses large and small, we would not be able to deliver these critical funds on an annual basis,” says Mavericks sponsorship chair Erik Hernandez. Hernandez is a partner in H&B Builders, himself a sponsor of the West Valley Mavericks Foundation.

Hernandez says the foundation leverages the support of over 100 area businesses to help produce its fundraising events.

“As a sponsor or partner, these companies are vital to our success and we share this giving recognition with them. We truly appreciate the support we receive fromAmerican Western Distribution every year,” Hernandez continues.

The West Valley Mavericks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to assist children and families, help people in need, and improve the quality of life in west valley communities.

This year, 22 more local organizations received funds than in 2019, evidence the West Valley Mavericks Foundation’s impact is growing and the support is becoming more diverse.

“The graciousness of American Western Distribution and other partners last year is making a huge impact in this time of uncertainty this year,” says Erik Hernandez. The funds are part of the annual program of work for the West Valley Mavericks who hold four signature fundraising events.

The events the West Valley Mavericks hold include The Shindig Fly Away Party at Goodyear Airport, The Roundup Food Truck and Music Festival at Goodyear Ballpark, and The Maverick Golf Tournament and The Patriot All-America, both held at the Wigwam in Litchfield Park.

In existence since 2012, the Mavericks have been making such grants since 2013.

Recently, the organization announced it reached $1 Million in grant-making after a record year of fundraising and after hosting several record-setting events. The popular Roundup Food Truck and Music Festival saw over 12,000 people attend last September and the foundation held a record golf tournament in 2019, filling all three courses at the Wigwam.

The beneficiaries of the funds welcome the support.

“This is fantastic news!,” says Kortney Jones, fundraising manager from Packages from Home. Packages From Home sends care and comfort packages to deployed American military heroes stationed in active duty theaters around the world.

“Receiving this grant will impact Packages From Home very positively in the immediate term as it helps us to continue to fulfill our mission of supporting our military veterans who are in need,” says Jones.

Jones says the funding will provide more than 2,000 pounds of essential items such as food, hygiene and water to veterans who are transitioning, homeless or at-risk here in the West Valley.

“We’re overwhelmed by the support from our community and organizations like West Valley Mavericks Foundation,” said Tom Egan, president and CEO of Faith Service Life,” which provides home and community-based services and energy-efficient, affordable housing to promote health, independence and dignity.

“Our nutrition program for seniors and adults with disabilities in Peoria and Wickenburg has seen a huge increase in demand due to COVID-19,” says Egan.

“We’re 30 percent over budget and these funds are greatly appreciated. We couldn’t continue to bring services to those that need it most without help from partners like West Valley Mavericks Foundation.”

We are proud and happy to do this work, Hernandez says. “American Western Distribution is our partner and we share this recognition with them. We are making the community better together.

The West Valley Mavericks Foundation grant application process opens again on November 15 and grant information can be found at www.westvalleymavericksfoundation.org