Phoenix Suns Charities Surprises Genesis City with $100K “Playmaker” Grant

Phoenix Suns Charities yesterday surprised local nonprofit Genesis City with a $100,000 Playmaker Grant. 

The surprise included a visit from Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor member Tom Chambers and The Gorilla.

Karen Callahan, executive director of Genesis City, was completely surprised by the grant. They had been preparing for an interview for a grant from Phoenix Suns Charities and had no idea the decision had already been made. 

“I was absolutely amazed,” she said. “We had a site visit from Phoenix Suns Charities because we were up for an amazing grant, and we’ve all been working very hard to have a chance to get it. When I came to work this morning I was prepared to answer any questions anyone might have, but as we were going to set up…I walked out front and saw an amazing display of the Suns, the Gorilla and the check. I still can’t believe it.”

Genesis City will use the funds to renovate its classroom facilities to provide more services, among other needs.

Genesis City has served more than 7,000 disadvantaged teenagers in Maricopa County since its inception in 1991. It provides local youth with the opportunity to re-access education and become successful life-long learners and civically engaged community members.

Since its inception in 1988, Phoenix Suns Charities has distributed more than $21 million to local non-profits and organizations in need.