SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 30, 2026) – The Palo Verde Fiesta Sports Foundation recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Wishes for Teachers program with a remarkable event, allocating $150,000 in school wishes to three deserving Title 1 schools across Arizona. This initiative aims to enhance learning environments, ensuring that students and educators alike benefit from improved facilities.
In a collaborative effort with major partners including Amazon and the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation, the Fiesta Sports Foundation fulfilled a significant wish for each of the selected schools, a decision made from over 70 statewide applications. This year marked a distinguished shift in the Wishes for Teachers program, which also provided individual classroom grants to an unprecedented 540 educators, totaling a monumental $1.5 million investment in Arizona’s educational landscape.
The three schools selected for transformative renovations are:
- Arizona Desert Elementary School (Tolleson) – STEM Lab
- Washington Elementary School (Phoenix) – School Library
- Challenger Middle School (Tucson) – Multipurpose Room and Science Lab
Kristina Chumpol, Chief Impact Officer and Chief of Staff at the Fiesta Sports Foundation, emphasized the program’s larger mission: “The school wishes initiative demonstrates our commitment to serving entire school communities and transforming learning environments as needs evolve.” This dual-focused approach not only provides immediate assistance to individual educators but also addresses the broader infrastructural needs of schools, fostering environments that support creativity, learning, and evolution.
Each of the chosen Title 1 schools serves diverse communities facing unique challenges. The renovations were meticulously planned to meet specific needs, ensuring that the facilities provide modern resources and dedicated spaces designed for growth and adaptability. The new STEM lab at Arizona Desert Elementary, for example, enhances students’ exposure to science and technology, vital in today’s education landscape.
Amazon’s involvement in this initiative showcases its commitment to community support and educational infrastructure. Vickie Yakunin, Head of Community Affairs for Arizona and Texas at Amazon, remarked, “Investing in educational infrastructure like STEM labs helps equip students with the tools and skills they need to innovate and succeed.” This collaboration highlights the vital role businesses play in nurturing educational opportunities, impacting countless lives across the state.
The school wishes program reflects the Fiesta Sports Foundation’s broader mission of community service encompassing youth, sports, and education. Over the past decade, the foundation has channeled more than $9.7 million into Arizona classrooms, benefitting thousands of teachers and reaching hundreds of thousands of students. This continuous investment illustrates a profound commitment not just to immediate educational needs, but to long-term community building.
In January 2026, ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held for all three renovated spaces, marking a formal opening that coincided with the festivities surrounding the 2025-26 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. This timing not only amplified the celebration of the renovations but also connected community engagement with one of college football’s biggest events, uniting sportsmanship and education.
Britton Banowsky, Executive Director of the CFP Foundation, expressed pride in the collaboration among community partners: “We’re proud to stand alongside partners like Fiesta Sports Foundation and Amazon to invest in Arizona schools.” This sentiment reflects a belief in the collective responsibility of supporting educators and schools, fostering opportunities that will enrich students’ lives for years to come.
ABOUT FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Established in 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation stands as a pioneer in community engagement. The foundation drives innovative experiences and economic growth while championing charitable endeavors. Its various initiatives, including the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and related events such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, showcase a dedication to enhancing Arizona’s communities through youth, sports, and education.
To explore more about the foundation’s initiatives, visit Fiesta Sports Foundation or follow its activities on social media @Fiesta_Bowl.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FOUNDATION
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation serves as the community engagement arm of the CFP, focusing on elevating educational standards and supporting PK-12 education. By collaborating with various sectors, the foundation seeks to improve educational outcomes while championing teacher recognition and professional growth opportunities. For further details, visit cfp-foundation.org and follow the Extra Yard for Teachers initiative on social media @CFPExtraYard.
ABOUT AMAZON
Amazon operates under a framework of guiding principles that prioritize customer obsession, innovation, and long-term strategic planning. Striving to be the most customer-centric company globally, Amazon’s ventures across various sectors, from retail to technology, demonstrate a commitment to enriching lives and fostering community connections. Learn more at amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews for updates.