Phoenix-based employees volunteered at the event benefitting community school children

University of Phoenix is proud to support the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Winter Classic event each year with employee volunteers and as the presenting partner. The 27th annual D-backs Winter Classic, presented by University of Phoenix, took place from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10. Event coordinators estimate 100 University of Phoenix, Phoenix-based employees volunteered alongside D-backs players, coaches and staff for the celebration. University volunteers handed out backpacks filled with gifts for the children including new shoes, a sweatshirt, and books. More than 600 children attended the event.

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Arizona school children gather around the Arizona Diamondbacks® mascot at the 27th annual Arizona Diamondbacks Winter Classic celebration presented by University of Phoenix. The event took place on December 10, 2024, at Chase Field and provides local children with a day of celebration. (Photo: Business Wire)

“University of Phoenix is honored to continue our support of the Diamondbacks Winter Classic,” stated Provost and Chief Academic Officer John Woods, Ph.D. “This cherished event enables our two organizations to create unforgettable experiences for hundreds of school children across the valley. It’s heartwarming to witness our employees generously dedicating their time to support local children, highlighting our shared commitment to giving back.”

The annual event provides Arizona schoolchildren from low-income, at-risk schools with a day of celebration, fun, and giving, with gifts provided by the University and Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. The event began more than two decades ago when Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson sought a way to give back to the community by providing children in need with new shoes. Since that time, the event has grown, and now features a friendly game of baseball, music and crafts for the children. This year’s activities included a baseball station featuring Baxter the D-backs mascot, photos with Santa, a shoe station, a University of Phoenix Reading Corner and a STEM activity Station.

“The Winter Classic is a Diamondbacks tradition that we look forward to each December, and it would not be possible without the support of our friends at University of Phoenix,” said Derrick Hall, President, CEO & General Partner, Arizona Diamondbacks. “We are grateful for their partnership and their employees, who generously volunteer to help us bring a little bit of holiday magic and a whole lot of joy to hundreds of kids across the Valley every year.”

University of Phoenix Academic Counseling Manager Amy Kelley has worked at the University for 20 years and was thrilled to volunteer at this year’s event. “It was truly an amazing experience,” Kelley states. “I was able to hand out hoodies to all the kids as they walked in and also served as a University of Phoenix team leader for one of the groups of students. The smiles and laughs that this event brought to the kids were so rewarding.”

The University of Phoenix has been a proud sponsor of the Winter Classic since 2012.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About the Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks provide industry-leading entertainment in a clean, safe and family-friendly environment and make a positive impact on its fans and civic partners. The Diamondbacks on-field successes include their 2023 run to the National League Pennant and the franchise’s second trip to the World Series as well as their 2001 World Series title, seven trips to the postseason and vast array of player awards. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, through its "D-backs Give Back" mantra, has made charitable contributions totaling more than $93 million to the Arizona community since 1997 to support three main areas of need – homelessness, indigent healthcare and children's programs of all types – as well as strategic programs to address the needs of our community’s veterans and first responders. The Valley’s premier entertainment, concert and event venue, Chase Field in downtown Phoenix is the home of the Diamondbacks and the first Major League Baseball stadium to feature a pool. The team was established in 1995 and played their inaugural season in 1998. For more information, please visit dbacks.com and losdbacks.com or follow the team on social media @Dbacks and @LosDbacks.

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