Arizona Gives Day is around the corner, but people don't have to wait to give to a great community cause.  Those who give by Tuesday, March 18, could be selected to throw the first ceremonial pitch on Saturday, March 22 at the Peoria Sports Complex. 

The Peoria Diamond Club is hosting  a high-five event, where if people give in any increments of $5, they can make an impact in helping kids in the West Valley.  The Peoria Diamond Club is a tax-deductible 501c3 charitable organization. 

"During our recent grant cycles, we honored programs, including those providing support for children in foster care, youth experiencing terminal illness and teenagers experiencing food insecurity," said Peoria Diamond Club Executive Director Rebecca Wright.  "Our Emerging Leader scholarship program honors young students excelling in areas of leadership, education and  community involvement. A scholarship is provided to one promoting 8th grader from each of the 33 Peoria Unified School District Elementary schools and one graduating senior from each of the 8 PUSD high schools."

Last year's giving cycle supported 48 youth programs that impacted thousands of children. 

The Peoria Independent is a media sponsor of the Peoria Diamond Club. No giving is necessary for a chance to throw out the first pitch on Saturday, March 22. The first-pitch winner will receive entry for four general admission tickets courtesy of the Independent and the Peoria Diamond Club.  To be entered, just send an email to cbisson@iniusa.org.