Youth On Their Own was named “Favorite Charity” at the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl football game on December 31st! This very exciting title also came with an astounding $25,000 cash prize that will help YOTO continue to support the high school graduation of over 2,000 homeless youth in Pima County each year.
On hand at the game to receive the check were YOTO Alumnus, Armando Alvarez, and YOTO Board Member and NOVA Home Loans VP/Senior Loan Officer, Sean Denlinger.
Sean shared with us, “The NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl is such a fantastic event! One hundred percent of the net profits raised go directly to the winning charities – that means $5,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, $10,000 for the Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids (TRAK), and $25,000 for Youth On Their Own. Tucson has a very giving community and the Arizona Bowl is part of that. It felt very exhilarating to be part of that event and share the winning moment with Armando since he was once a YOTO student and he knows how life-changing the program can be.”
The mission of the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl is to provide world-class experiences for college student-athletes, fans, and the local community, culminating in a nationally recognized college football competition. The Arizona Bowl is a non-profit organization that strives to inspire youth, engage the community, support local charities, and create a positive economic impact in Southern Arizona. Since 2015, the Arizona Bowl has donated $3.5 million to various charities through ticket, food and beverage sales.
In an online contest earlier in the year, members of the local community nominated three nonprofits – YOTO among them – to vie for the title of “Favorite Charity” and a cash prize of $25,000. At the December 31st bowl game, attendees voted by text for their favorite among the three nominees. Thanks to our loyal and enthusiastic supporters, YOTO took home the title and the big check! What’s more, longtime YOTO supporter Tucson Subaru has agreed to match this $25,000 prize later this year! Thank you, Tucson Subaru!
And of course, thank you to everyone who voted for YOTO during the game! We are so grateful for your commitment to helping homeless youth thrive and succeed! An extra big thanks to NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl for empowering youth, supporting local charities, and being such an active and engaged member of our YOTO Family!
