Partnerships and programs are among the best things about our Peoria community. We have impressive philanthropic endeavors, including the noteworthy Peoria Diamond Club (PeoriaDiamondClub.org). The club is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports community programs that educate and enrich children’s lives. Through partnerships, sponsorships, donations, and volunteer efforts, Peoria Diamond Club (PDC) raises funds for local youth charities and organizations.
An Organization with Heart
Peoria Diamond Club was established in 1993 in response to the desires of the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, and the City of Peoria to partner with a nonprofit organization during Spring Training.
Executive Director Rebecca Wright explains that volunteers are at the heart of everything PDC accomplishes. “Our volunteers, aka Red Shirts, participate in the daily operation of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres Spring Training at the Peoria Sports Complex."
“Now, 32 years later," she explains, "Spring Training continues to be our largest fundraiser for the Peoria Diamond Club."
Wright, who was recently named the Executive Director, is no stranger to the organization. For the previous three years, she served as the volunteer coordinator. Before that, she had 20 years of nonprofit experience as a staff member, board member, and volunteer in the areas of child welfare, behavioral health, and equine therapy. She has dedicated two terms to AmeriCorps, recently serving in Arizona and providing financial literacy education to foster care youth.
When the organization started, it had about 90 volunteers to assist with Spring Training. Today, more than 350 volunteers give their time to help it accomplish its mission of supporting youth programs in the West Valley and enriching children’s futures for generations to come.
PDC is always looking for volunteers, especially for the upcoming Spring Training season, which will kick off in February 2025. Details about volunteering are on the PDC website.
A Year-Long Mission
The Peoria Diamond Club offers many benefits to the local community, including contributions to youth organizations. According to Wright, it is an integral part of their work.
“We support programs that help hundreds of thousands of children in areas such as education support, arts and education, grief and trauma support, chronic illnesses, and food insecurities,” she explains.
In addition to Spring Training, the Peoria Diamond Club hosts special events and programs throughout the year to raise financial support for youth programs and to increase community awareness.
Volunteers support various community events at the Peoria Sports Complex, many of which offer free activities for residents.
PDC hosts a spring fundraiser to support its programs. It also holds an annual toy drive during the holidays, accepting donations of unwrapped toys at the Peoria Sports Complex lobby. The group is holding its 27th annual toy drive this holiday season and hopes it will be the best yet.
Peoria Diamond Club Grant Program
Proceeds from the sponsorships and revenues generated throughout Spring Training are donated to community programs through the PDC’s highly successful grant program.
Grants are awarded in various amounts of financial assistance to West Valley youth programs to develop educational, athletic, therapeutic, and fine art goals through sponsored or directed activities.
Over the years, the organization has given more than $2.3 million to West Valley children and programs. Wright hopes to continue that growing trend of giving back to the community.
“As the new executive director, I look forward to expanding our reach and awareness, highlighting how we support the youth in our community. We invite the community to join our team as sponsors or volunteers.”
Celebrating the 2023-24 Giving Year
During the 2023-24 year, PDC recognized programs that supported organizations dedicated to helping children in foster care, youth experiencing terminal illness, and teenagers experiencing food insecurity.
PDC also provides scholarships to deserving students. Each year, the Emerging Leader scholarship program honors students who excel in leadership, education, and community involvement. PDC awards a scholarship to one promoting 8th grader from each of the 33 Peoria Unified School District Elementary schools and one graduating senior from each of the eight PUSD high schools.
Public donations helped support 48 youth programs in the 2023-24 Giving Year.
A Partnership for Everyone
Wright believes PDC offers as much to the volunteers as it does to the recipients.
“Our partnership with the City of Peoria, Seattle Mariners, and the San Diego Padres provides opportunities for adults in the community to stay active and engaged with others while giving their time, talent, experience, and heart to the mission of the Peoria Diamond Club.”
For Wright, the premise is pretty simple: “We are one team with one dream: helping kids.”
We are one team with one dream: helping kids.
Our vision is to help children in our communities reach their full potential by supporting organizations that meet their fundamental needs and foster success through educational, therapeutic, wellness, and fine arts programs.