By Madeline Bates
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The Tempe Diablos presented over $660,000 in grant funding to organizations like Ryan’s House, Tempe Care 7 and The Centers for Habilitation by honoring them at the Tempe Diablo Stadium, where the Los Angeles Angels took on the Cincinnati Reds.

Before the game March 13, members from all three organizations joined members of the Tempe City Council and the Tempe Diablos as they shared a ceremonial check with the organizations.

“We gave over $660,000 to over 94 different nonprofits and programs this year and it’s amazing to see how it affects the community,” said Russ Holmes, chairman of the Tempe Diablos Charities board, a Tempe organization that gives back to the community though scholarships and fundraising.

Tempe Care 7 works through the city to assist the needs of vulnerable communities — everything from children who need school supplies to victims of domestic violence who need to be relocated.

Anastasia Stinchfield, the social services supervisor for Care 7, says the funding will help in small ways to make a big impact in the lives of Tempe residents.

“With this money we are able to provide a continuum of care to serve any age of individual that might be in crisis.

Stinchfield says that the funding helps fund daily necessities like hygiene products and sometimes housing needs to help fill gaps in the lives of those in need.

The Center for Habilitation helps people with disabilities participate in volunteering, special events and daily activities with help from staff.

“Our main campus is in Tempe so we’re as local as it gets, and to be supported by a local organization like the Diablos is incredibly gratifying and we’re very appreciative of it,” said Jeff Bernick, CEO of TCH.

Ryan House offers respite to parents who have children who need round-the-clock care. Ryan House services cost $1,000 per child but is available at no cost to parents for up to 28 days each year.

One of the Ryan House families was also in attendance and had a chance to speak with the players and coaches.

“For them to be able to have this experience down on the field is so special and something they may not normally be able to do, and that’s what we love to see,” said Alyssa Tidwell, senior development manager for Ryan House. 

The Tempe Diablos says that they received applications totaling up to over $1.6 million but they hope that each new year will also come with more funds to help the community.  

“Seeing the money in action and knowing our community is being taken care of means the world,” Homes said.

To learn more about the Diablos Charities, visit Home | Tempe Diablos Charities or catch them at an Angels game at Tempe Diablos Stadium at 2200 W. Alameda Drive in Tempe.

To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

Madeline Bates
Reporter | Tempe/East Phoenix

mbates@iniusa.org

Meet Madeline

Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).  

Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.

Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.

Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.

Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.