FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Over the past 16 years, the annual concert has raised nearly $660,000 to directly support the nonprofit’s mission to empower individuals through employment
Phoenix, Ariz. (March. 26, 2024) — On Saturday, March 16, a sold-out crowd gathered at the Tempe Center for the Arts for the 16th Annual feeney/winthrop Benefit Concert for local nonprofit St. Joseph the Worker (SJW). The event, featuring a donation-based entry, raised over $51,000 to aid SJW’s mission of assisting unhoused, low-income and disadvantaged individuals in securing sustainable employment opportunities. Matt Feeney, member of feeney/winthrop, partner at Snell & Willmer and SJW founding member hosted the evening. Event sponsors included APS, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Snell & Wilmer, The Goddard Family Foundation and Don and Ginger Brandt.
“For the past 16 years, we have held this free concert to provide a fun outlet for members of our community to enjoy themselves and support a great cause,” expressed Feeney. “Every dollar raised for SJW will act as a hand up for someone here in the Valley, helping them on their journey towards self-sufficiency through quality employment.”
In fiscal year 2022-2023, SJW marked a significant milestone by extending its services to over 10,000 individuals, a 37% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, 6,213 individuals successfully secured full-time employment, with an average hourly wage of $18 and an impressive 81% receiving associated benefits. SJW’s commitment to efficiency shines through in its operations, $.91 of every dollar donated goes directly to supporting its impactful programs.
Since its inception in 1988, SJW’s impact has transcended boundaries, reaching over 35,000 individuals across more than 50 ZIP codes in the Valley. Driven by its unwavering dedication to eliminating employment barriers, SJW continues to provide critical resources and guidance, empowering clients on their journey toward financial independence and enabling them to break free from reliance on government assistance.
Reflecting on the evening’s success, SJW CEO Carrie Masters thanked everyone who attended the annual benefit concert. “For the past sixteen years, the feeney/winthrop Benefit Concert has been instrumental in raising almost $660,000 to further our commitment to uplifting individuals trying to better themselves through long-term, quality employment,” expressed Masters. “Your donation is more than a contribution. It is a catalyst for empowerment, guiding individuals toward meaningful employment and paving their paths to success.”
For individuals interested in donating to SJW or learning more about how they can qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, visit https://sjwjobs.org/donatesjw.
About St. Joseph the Worker
St. Joseph The Worker (SJW) was formed in 1988 in response to the unhoused community saying, “we want to work, but don’t have the tools”. Since then, SJW has been forging pathways to self-sufficiency with employment at the core, believing the only way out of poverty is a paycheck. Common barriers clients face when looking for and upon finding stable employment include access to transportation, money for interview and uniform attire, lack of certifications for the role and housing. By breaking down barriers clients often face when job searching, SJW is providing an opportunity for clients to build a sustainable life free of government assistance. To learn more about SJW, visit https://sjwjobs.org.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Beth McRae
The McRae Agency
beth@mcraeagency.com
602-330-1996
Samantha DeRose
The McRae Agency
samantha@mcraeagency.com
480-495-4930
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