Surprise Sundancers raise nearly $175K for scholarships, youth programs
Posted 5/13/20
The Surprise Sundancers, the official Surprise Stadium Spring Training volunteer organization, with the support of the Arizona Community Foundation, awarded $155,000 in scholarships to 95 students …
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The Surprise Sundancers, the official Surprise Stadium Spring Training volunteer organization, with the support of the Arizona Community Foundation, awarded $155,000 in scholarships to 95 students from high schools in Surprise, El Mirage, Youngtown and Wickenburg.
They also distributed funding to 12 nonprofit organizations supporting local youth education and programs.
The Sundancers use volunteerism to drive their fundraising efforts. As volunteers for Surprise Spring Training, all proceeds from opening day, traditionally known as the “Surprise Sundancers Charity Game,” go toward scholarships and youth-related programs.
The Sundancers Scholarship provides financial support for select college-bound student-athletes who are chosen based on academic record, demonstrated leadership, and participation in school and community activities.
Among the scholarship recipients, the top three applicants are awarded the Mark Coronado Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2018 in memory of Mark Coronado, the city’s longtime community and recreation services director. Mr. Coronado was known as a gifted leader who worked to improve the quality of life for all families in Surprise and the West Valley through recreation and community events.
In addition to scholarships, the Surprise Sundancers raise money for local nonprofits. The Surprise Sundancers Foundation Awards are supported through the Spring Training 50/50 raffle held at each game.
This year, a portion of the $42,000 raised will go to 12 nonprofit organizations supporting local youth education and programs. The rest will go to scholarships.
2020 Recipients
Surprise Sundancers
Dysart Education Foundation
Surprise Explorers
Dysart High School PTO
Employed and Overjoyed
General Federated Woman’s Club Morristown
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Shadow Ridge High School Theater
The First Tee of Phoenix
Valley Vista High School Marching Band
West Valley Mavericks
Wickenburg Conservation Foundation
Founded in 2002, the Surprise Sundancers are the official Spring Training volunteer organization of the Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers and the city of Surprise. The group currently consists of more than 750 members contributing over 32,000 hours of service annually and raising over $1 million for the local community since inception.
