Ellie and Michael Ziegler Sponsor Back to School Shopping for Boys & Girls Club Youth of Greater Scottsdale for Fifth Consecutive Year
Students ages 5 through 18 enrolled in Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale scholarship programs for low-income families will shop for new school clothes, shoes and supplies, thanks to community leaders Ellie and Michael Ziegler, who have generously contributed $500,000 to the program over the past five years. Each recipient from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Branches will have a $100 budget to select the essentials they need. Kohl’s will add a contribution to stretch the dollars further.
“Michael and I strive to create non-profit, corporate and community collaborations for those in need. This program allows the Club’s most vulnerable members to pursue their dreams and academic success,” event founder Ellie Ziegler said. “To inject more excitement into our fifth year, we’ve streamlined the program to serve more than 710 children and teens during three high-energy Prep Rallies featuring shopping, games, books, backpacks and special appearances by local sports personalities,” Michael Ziegler added.
Schedule of Events at Kohl’s Desert Ridge, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050:
Friday, July 28, 7:30-10:00 a.m.
The kick-off event will feature event founders Ellie and Michael Ziegler, accompanied by Arizona State University men’s head basketball coach Bobby Hurley and members of his basketball team, some of whom are former Boys & Girls Club members. Hurley is widely known for winning two National Championship titles as a point guard for Duke University’s Blue Devils. He played in the NBA before becoming head coach for the rising ASU Sun Devils in 2015. In addition, the Phoenix Suns Gorilla and Phoenix Mercury Scorch mascots will join the Prep Rally with Phoenix Suns Ambassadors and volunteers from Suns Charities. These role models, along with corporate and community volunteers, will assist 290 children from Vestar, Thunderbirds, Piper, McKee and Red Mountain Branches as they fill their shopping lists.
Saturday, July 29, 7:30-10:00 a.m.
Former two-time Super Bowl champion and national college football broadcaster Mark May will share his experiences as a former Boys & Girls Club youth member. Approximately 325 children from Barker, Scottsdale Charros and Peach Springs Branches will choose necessities accompanied by community volunteers.
Thursday, August 3, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
The longest tenured broadcaster in the NBA and “Voice of The Suns” Al McCoy will join 100 teens from Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale Branches as they select back-to-school clothing and supplies at Kohl’s with corporate volunteers.
“We remain grateful to The Zieglers, who have helped level the playing field for more than 4,700 club members since they founded the program five years ago. Prep Rallies provide the essentials for kids who would not have the resources otherwise,” said Lisa Hurst, BGCS Chief Executive Officer.
