Suns donate $2.6 million to fund city of Phoenix’s Head Start program

PHOENIX — Phoenix’s oldest professional sports franchise on Tuesday announced a multi-million dollar pledge to help the city’s at-risk children and families.

The Phoenix Suns donated $2.6 million to the city’s Head Start program, which provides early childhood development and support services for income-eligible families with children ages 5 and under and at-risk pregnant women.

“My mom was a kindergarten teacher and I fully understand the tremendously positive impact that early learning can have during a child’s formative years,” Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver said in a press release.

“The city’s Head Start program is integral in providing resources for kids and families that need it the most and creates opportunities to develop a foundation that leads to long-term success.”

Head Start was founded in 1965 and is the biggest preschool program in the country.

Sarver joined Phoenix City Council members Michael Nowakowski and Laura Pastor at Byron A. Berry Elementary School in west Phoenix on Tuesday to announce the donation.

The pledge is part of the arena deal the Suns struck with Phoenix in January that included $10 million in donations for community benefits to local nonprofits and city programs.

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