Our Back-to-School season was extra special this year thanks to Phoenix Suns player Nick Richards!

Nick generously sponsored a back-to-school shopping event for 20 youth from our Friends of the Children – Phoenix program at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Each child received a generous budget to shop for clothes, shoes, and supplies. They showed so much heart by picking out items for their siblings, too. One youth carefully selected matching water bottles for his siblings. Another made sure to find a Phoenix Suns onesie and beanie for his new baby sister. A young girl insisted that her brother needed new shoes just as much as she did. And another youth excitedly picked out the Stanley cup that he just knew would make his teenage sister smile. Carefully pushing their carts down every aisle, these youth reminded us what gratitude and generosity look like.

Beyond the fun shopping time, the day was full of laughter and unforgettable memories:

🏀 Meeting and taking photos with Nick Richards
🍴 Sharing a meal and hearing Nick’s story as a professional athlete
🎒 Receiving a cool Phoenix Suns backpack filled with gear and a Suns Gorilla plush
🎭 Dancing, flips, and antics from the legendary Suns Gorilla himself!

As a lasting reminder of this day, Nick is now proudly wearing a Friends of the Children friendship bracelet, symbolizing the bonds built through mentorship and community. We are beyond grateful to Nick and his family for their generosity, time, and commitment to supporting our youth. The joy, excitement, and confidence our kids took home will last well beyond the first day of school. We'll be cheering extra loudly for Nick and the Suns!