Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona Celebrates 25th Anniversary: Honorees, Bob and Renee Parsons, Donate $1.1 Million During Art Heals Gala

PHOENIX, Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona kicked off its 25th Anniversary celebration with a Gala on Saturday, Oct. 20, at the JW Marriot Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. More than 300 supporters attended the event where Bob and Renee Parsons were honored for their many years of transformative gifts to Free Arts.

"Children are the world's most precious gift and deserve to be shown love, support and guidance to grow into thriving adults. Unfortunately, not every child gets to know what it's like to be loved or cared for by a parent," said businessman Bob Parsons. "Free Arts uses art to create moments in time that have a lasting impact, helping these children gain confidence and realize that they are valuable."

Presented by APS, Free Arts' 25th Anniversary Gala raised a total of $1,358,066 to support programs that use art and mentorship to transform children's trauma into resilience. During the evening, the Parsons surprised Free Arts with a $1.1 million donation, $1 million to go toward renovation of the new Free Arts building and $100,000 to support Free Arts programs.

"Bob and Renee continue to surprise and support us in the most generous ways," said Free Arts Executive Director Alicia Sutton Campbell. "The number of children in out-of-home care in Arizona has tripled since 1993 and this incredible gift will help us expand services to serve more children and families through our current programs and through The Bob & Renee Parsons Center for Hope and Healing."

Proceeds from the event will support Free Arts' goal to serve even more children in foster care group homes, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, residential treatment facilities, schools and unaccompanied minor shelters through art, a trauma-informed curriculum and mentoring.

"Throughout the years, the work of Free Arts has touched us deeply," said businesswoman Renee Parsons. "It is truly inspiring to see the transformation that comes about when children are able to express themselves, through art, in a safe and encouraging environment."

The Parsons have been longtime supporters of Free Arts and through The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation have granted more than $4 million to the organization over the past six years, including this most recent gift. In August 2017, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation awarded Free Arts a $2.5 million grant to double the organization's physical space on Camelback Road and establish The Bob & Renee Parsons Center for Hope and Healing, expanding programming and reaching children Free Arts had previously been unable to serve.

Free Arts Statistics & 25-Year Journey:

• Free Arts was founded in 1993 and served 50 children; in 2018 it served more than 8,000 children.
• Free Arts had five volunteers in 1993 and this year it has more than 800.
• The number of partner agencies has grown tremendously in 25 years – starting in 1993 with only five, to today's 43 partners.
• Throughout its history, Free Arts has impacted the lives of more than 125,000 Arizona children.

The children served by Free Arts have experienced combinations of family trauma, homelessness and violence. To help build resilience and begin the healing process, Free Arts provides mentoring, a caring community and an opportunity to express themselves and learn new skills. To learn more, visit FreeArtsAZ.org.

About Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
Founded in 1993, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona is a nonprofit organization that works to transform children's trauma to resilience through the arts. Free Arts programs include creative elements that promote safety, self-expression and a sense of belonging. Free Arts programs are delivered by 900 volunteer mentors and artists who serve more than 8,000 children annually through partnerships with 43 social service child welfare agencies at 100+ sites across Maricopa County. For more information on Free Arts, visit: http://www.FreeArtsAZ.org.

About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers support to nonprofit organizations successfully working to empower, educate, nurture and nourish people during what is often the darkest time of their lives. Founded in 2012 by philanthropists and business leaders Bob and Renee Parsons to provide hope and life-changing assistance to the country's most vulnerable populations, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers critical funding at critical times to those in need. The Foundation's giving is driven by the core belief that all people – regardless of race, religion, roots, economic status, sexual orientation or gender identity – deserve access to quality healthcare, education and a safe place to call home. Follow @WeDealInHope on social media or visit TBRPF.org, to learn more about partner organizations and the important work being done in the community.

SOURCE Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona