Internet tycoon makes $3.6 million donation to Phoenix police charity
May 9, 2019, 5:55 AM | Updated: 5:41 pm
(KTAR News Photo/Peter Samore)
(KTAR News Photo/Peter Samore)
PHOENIX — A Scottsdale internet tycoon announced a big donation to a Phoenix police charity Wednesday.
Bob Parsons, founder of internet registrar GoDaddy, said the 100 Club of Arizona reminds him of the U.S. Marine Corps.
“They have a low budget, and they’re able to do everything with almost nothing,” Parsons said. “I can tell you the 100 Club can stretch a buck.”
The police charity will get to stretch $3.6 million over three years for new safety equipment and mental health and wellness services, including post-traumatic stress disorder therapy.
BREAKING: @dougducey announces Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation will donate $3.6 million over 3 years to @100ClubAZ for police equipment, services. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/FnjuI2Gopm
— Peter Samore (@ktarpetersamore) May 8, 2019
“The better (the officers) are, the happier they are, the more they know we’re behind them, the better the job they can do,” Parsons said.
He chose the 100 Club for his donation to honor Arizona officers who recently died in the line of duty.
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“They help injured officers that are stepping into retirement to make the transition,” Parsons said. “They help acquire safety equipment when the budget of the jurisdictions just aren’t there.”
Law enforcement is thankful for the influx of funds.
U.S. Border Patrol Agent Michael Meshirer survived six gunshot wounds in an attack last year. The 100 Club of Arizona came to his aid.
“Just like family, they asked what do we need, and it’s done,” he remembered.
“We’ve been through a lot of counseling, a lot of surgeries. If it wasn’t for 100 Club and the generosity of people, it might have gone a different route.”
Angela Harrolle, president of the 100 Club, addressed police gathered for the donation announcement at the Arizona State Capitol.
“Now, we have this incredible amount of funding,” she said. “We want to give it to you. We want to support you and your families for the journey.
“Whatever it may be, we want to be there to stand beside you.”
