Free Arts Receives $500k Gift
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has donated $500,000 in general operating dollars over the next two years to Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona to support its strategic plan and ongoing growth. The nonprofit organization works to transform children’s trauma into strength and resilience through the arts. The focus of upcoming growth will be largely centered around reimagining Free Arts programming to incorporate virtual opportunities and ensure inclusivity.
“Free Arts offers children and teens a safe environment and productive outlet to help work through what is often a dark and challenging time in their lives,” says Bob Parsons, PXG founder and CEO. “We are proud to continue our support of this organization as it expands its efforts to bring transformational arts programming to even more children in need.”
The funds will be used to identify even more alternate programs and reimagine traditional Free Arts programs that can be delivered virtually or with a safe, hybrid model. Additionally, Free Arts will examine the organization with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens and work to dismantle barriers to serving children and our community in the most equitable way possible.
“This fundamental support from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is crucial to our organization during this difficult time,” says Free Arts Executive Director Alicia Sutton Campbell. “It will allow us to continue to adapt our programs to serve children safely, while also allowing us to focus on the future and how Free Arts needs to grow and change in the coming years to best serve the community.”
The nonprofit’s 10-year vision includes a statewide expansion and increased programming for alumni as they move into adulthood. Free Arts believes every child living in foster care and emergency shelters in Arizona should have access to resilience-building arts programs and caring adult mentors.
“Art can be a very powerful outlet for expressing ourselves and dealing with complicated emotions,” says Renee Parsons, president and executive creative director of PXG Apparel. “Free Arts is offering children and young adults the ability to harness that power for healing and growth.”
The Parsons have been longtime supporters of Free Arts and through The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation have granted more than $4.5 million to the organization over the past seven years, including this most recent gift.
Free Arts currently serves more than 6,000 children annually, utilizing the talents and skills of 17 staff members, 22 board members and 800 volunteers. To learn more about Free Arts visit freeartsaz.org.
