While the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the West Valley Mavericks Foundation’s fundraising abilities, the organization has continued to find ways to raise money and to give back to the communities it serves. 

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 2012 and this year reached a milestone, awarding more than $1 million in grants to Valley nonprofits.

In May, the foundation awarded $375,000 in grants to 82 organizations. Read about it here.

Members have a busy December planned, including:

The Maverick

The 7th annual Maverick Charity Golf Tournament, known as “The Maverick,” is scheduled Friday, Dec. 4, at The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Spotlight charity will be the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Blue course shotgun start will be at 9 a.m., followed by gold course shotgun start at 11:30 a.m.

“The Maverick has become Valley golfers’ top charity golf tournament of choice simply because 100% of the net proceeds are donated back to West Valley charities,” organization life member and spokesman Michael “Jiggs” Grjegian said.

Following the tournament, golfers and their guests will attend Dinner on the Green to celebrate the sold-out fundraising event.

Shop with a Cop

The organization will hold two inaugural Shop with a Cop events to allow for social distancing.

The first will run 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Kohl's in Surprise, 14020 W. Bell Road.

The event, benefitting Dysart Unified School District students, will include Congresswoman Debbie Lesko, Surprise Mayor Skip Hall, City Council members and officers from the Surprise Police Department, who will accompany each child on a shopping spree to purchase gifts for themselves and their families, with gifts wrapped afterward. Participants also will be provided breakfast.

The second will run 8 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Kohl’s in Tolleson, 3000 S. 99th Ave.

The event, benefitting Cartwright and Isaac school district students, will include dignitaries, a commander and Phoenix Police Department officers, who will accompany each child on a shopping spree to purchase gifts for themselves and their families, with gifts wrapped afterward. Participants also will be provided breakfast.

Patriot All-America

The 10th annual Patriot All-America Collegiate Golf Invitational benefitting Folds of Honor and the Pat Tillman Foundation will run Saturday, Dec. 27, to Thursday, Dec. 31, at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park.

The 54-hole amateur tournament, a combined effort of the Arizona Golf Association, Golf Coaches Association of America and The Wigwam in conjunction with the Folds of Honor Foundation, will feature 84 nationally recognized golfers in a holiday bowl-like experience.

Saturday’s activities will begin with AM/AM tee-off in the morning. Opening ceremonies, scheduled for 3 p.m., will feature flyovers, parachute jumpers, color guard performances, guest speakers, Luke Air Force Base wing commander, and more to honor America’s fallen service members.  From Tuesday through Thursday, each player will carry a bag embroidered with the name of a fallen hero as part of the mini WM Open & Bowl Game of Collegiate Golf.

Because of COVID-19 safety restrictions, Mr. Grjegian said Skybox on 16, Skybox on 18 and the Corral will not be available this year.

“However, this year’s player field will be the best yet as NCAA players have had limited opportunities to play in 2020,” he said.

Tournament alumni include 22 current PGA players, 25 PGA Tour wins, five major championships, four Presidents Cup players, three Ryder Cup members and NCAA champions, he said.

For more information on the tournament, visit patriotallamerica.com.