Surprise Sundancers raise nearly $175,000 for scholarships and youth programs

The Surprise Sundancers, the official Surprise Stadium Spring Training volunteer organization, with the support of the Arizona Community Foundation, awarded $155,000 in scholarships to 95 students from high schools in Surprise, El Mirage, Youngtown or Wickenburg. They also distributed funding to 12 non-profit organizations supporting local youth education and programs.

The Surprise Sundancers use volunteerism to drive their fundraising efforts. As volunteers for Surprise Spring Training, all proceeds from Opening Day, traditionally known as the “Surprise Sundancers Charity Game,” go toward scholarships and youth-related programs.

The "Sundancers Scholarship" provides financial support for select college-bound student-athletes who are chosen based on academic record, demonstrated leadership, and participation in school and community activities.

Among the scholarship recipients, the top three applicants are awarded the Mark Coronado Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2018 in memory of Mark Coronado, the city’s longtime Community and Recreation Services Director. Mark was known as an ambitious, gifted leader who tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life for all families in Surprise and the West Valley through recreation and community events.

In addition to scholarships, the Surprise Sundancers raise money for local non-profits. The Surprise Sundancers Foundation Awards are supported through the Spring Training 50/50 raffle, held at each game. This year, a portion of the $42,000 raised will go to 12 non-profit organizations supporting local youth education and programs; the rest will go to scholarships.

2020 Recipients

• Surprise Sundancers
• Dysart Education Foundation
• Surprise Explorers
• Dysart High School PTO
• Employed and Overjoyed
• General Federated Woman’s Club Morristown
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• Shadow Ridge High School Theater
• The First Tee of Phoenix
• Valley Vista High School Marching Band
• West Valley Mavericks
• Wickenburg Conservation Foundation

About the Surprise Sundancers

Founded in 2002, the Surprise Sundancers are the official Spring Training volunteer organization of the Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers and the city of Surprise. The group currently consists of over 750 members contributing over 32,000 hours of service annually and raising over $1 million for the local community since inception. The Surprise Sundancers are known nationwide for their high level of commitment and service, along with their yellow shirts and smiling faces, helping to earn Surprise Stadium multiple awards and recognition as the “best place to watch a spring training game.”

To learn more about the Surprise Sundancers, visit surprisesundancers.org or contact 623.222.2222.

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