Law Enforcement and Teens Learn how Living Together and Working Together Leads to Respect

The Checkered Flag Run Foundation, NAACP Maricopa County Branch and Greater Phoenix Urban League will partner with event sponsor, AXON (formerly TASER), to host The Bridge Forum at South Mountain High School (5401 S. 7th St.) on Tuesday, Nov. 14th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The invitation-only event will work with South Mountain High School’s senior class and the Teen Court, a problem-solving court within the juvenile justice system, to seek solutions and best policing practices from top law enforcement professionals. Community leaders from district 8 and parents of both the Teen Court and South Mountain high school are also invited to participate in the forum.

“We have done several of these Bridge Forums in the past for stakeholders, and now we want to gear this event towards high schoolers to promote a better relationship between young adults and our law enforcement officials,” says founder of Checkered Flag Run Foundation, Alan “AP” Powell.

The Bridge Forum will host welcoming remarks from South Mountain High School Principal, Brian S. Guliford and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. The Mistress of Ceremonies for the event will be President of Maricopa County NAACP Branch, Dr. Ann Hart. The event will be moderated by CEO and President of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., who is the former Executive Director of the NAACP and National Director of the Million Man March. Chavis Jr. also served as the assistant to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and co-founded the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network with music mogul, Russell Simmons.

The forum will feature law enforcement officials from across metropolitan Phoenix, who will lead interactive dialogue sessions to gauge different perspectives, attitudes and beliefs about community policing and police etiquette. Feedback from participants will be recorded and used by Arizona’s police departments for additional research and curriculum training, and to better impact the community by using best policing practices.

Other notable speakers will include Checkered Flag Run Foundation Board Member, Dennis E. Prince; State of Arizona, and District 27 Representative, Reginald Bolding. Panelists will include Police Chief of Phoenix, Jeri Williams; Maricopa County Sheriff, Paul Penzone; Police Chief of Scottsdale, Alan G. Rodbell; and Police Chief of Peoria, Roy W. Minter. The President of Greater Phoenix Urban League, George Dean, will give closing remarks before opening up the floor for pre-selected questions and media interviews.

Media is invited to attend the Bridge Forum at South Mountain High School and will be selected for post-event interviews. For more information about The Bridge Forum, visit http://www.thebridgeforum.com.

About Checkered Flag Run Foundation
The Checkered Flag Run Foundation provides diverse educational programs that impact under-served students and veterans. They believe access to quality educational opportunities ensures the investment of every student and Veteran getting to cross the “finish line.”

HeroZona to Take Place Nov. 4 through 12 throughout Metro Phoenix, 1 Year Before Our Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Veterans Day

There are over 625,000 veterans living in Arizona, making up over 10 percent of the total population.
That is why one of this year’s Veterans Day Grand Marshals and Operation Desert Storm veteran Alan “AP” Powell, with support from Col. Wanda Wright, Director of the Arizona Department of Veteran Services’, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Heath McCarter of Golden Rule Live, Herozona Steering Committee and the Checkered Flag Run Foundation are launching a week-long engagement by and for Arizona veterans this November. The series of events, called HeroZona, will take place Nov. 4 through 12 throughout Metro Phoenix. It includes hiring events for veterans, networking opportunities, public recognitions at sporting events, an appreciation dinner and activities.

HeroZona recently announced additional events for the week, including the veteran opportunity panel, HeroZona NBA basketball game and the forgotten heroes’ dinner. More information about each is below.
Thursday, Nov. 9: Veteran Opportunity Panel, registration at 11:30 a.m., lunch from 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. at Phoenix Convention Center.

In an effort to empower America’s veterans in Arizona, the FREE Veteran Opportunity Panel will host a special luncheon exploring business opportunities for veterans and their family members. There will be 200+ companies present looking to employ Arizona veterans. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about different grant opportunities and participate in a Q-and-A session.

The moderator for the panel will be Lieutenant General Benjamin C. Freakley, U.S. Army (R). The panel members will include Sandra Watson, President and CEO of Arizona Commerce Authority; Debra Johnson, Director of Arizona Office of Tourism; Gonzalo de Malena, President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Deborah Ostreicher, Assistant Aviation Director of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. To register for the free event, visit https://tickets.ticketraccoon.com/event/herozona-veteran-opportunity-panel.
Friday, Nov. 10: HeroZona NBA Basketball Game, 7 p.m. at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

The Checkered Flag Run Foundation and the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services have partnered with the Phoenix Suns to giveaway 750 tickets for veterans to the Orlando Magic vs. Phoenix Suns game. The tickets were dispersed through several veteran service organizations. Special Honoring Arizona Veterans Phoenix Veteran’s Day Parade Grand Marshall guest, Loretta Swit from MASH, will also be in attendance and there will be a pre-game show. There will also be a give-away for a team signed basketball and custom team jersey in honor of a disabled Arizona Veteran-Owned Company in conjunction with Veteran and Business Network.

Friday, Nov. 10: HeroZona Forgotten Heroes Appreciation Dinner, Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65

HeroZona has partnered with the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 for its Forgotten Heroes Appreciation Dinner. The event will serve as a special meal honoring our homeless heroes and our local veterans. The dinner is expected to host more than 200 veterans and each guest will receive a care package from the Salvation Army.
For a full list of HeroZona events, visit http://www.herozona.org.

About HeroZona

Founded by Alan “AP” Powell, HeroZona is a week-long Veterans Day engagement that provides Arizona’s 625,000-plus veterans a multi-day networking event. HeroZona & NaVOBA Annual Conference has created a multi-day networking event to improve America’s support of veterans through corporate matchmaking, networking, entrepreneurial connections, hiring event, development and seminars; culminated by various entertainment events including the Veterans Day Parade & Salute to Veterans festival, Honor Walk, NBA & other entertainment activities. For more information visit http://www.herozona.org.

About Golden Rule Live

Golden Rule Live is a full service event company. The company is dedicated and focused on delivering and servicing your event via event promotion and production. One should treat others as one would like others to treat them – Golden Rule Live based their business model on this philosophy to ensure that when you do business with us, our clients know they are going to be treated with respect & professionalism. For more information visit http://www.goldenrulelive.com.

About NaVOBA

The National Veteran-Owned Businesses Association’s mission is to create opportunities for America’s veteran-owned businesses. More than 3 million men and women who have served in the armed forces have started their own small businesses after their service. For more information visit http://www.navoba.com.

Annual Event aims to strengthen ties between DC and Phoenix Leaders, National Veteran Service Organizations and Elected Officials

HEROZONA, an experience that’s part of Celebrate Arizona, will be hosting a special upcoming brunch that will aim to strengthen the ties between leaders and elected officials in DC and Phoenix. The 2017 Caucus will offer a unique experience that will highlight tourism in Arizona.

The 2017 Caucus Brunch will be hosted by the Checkered Flag Foundation, HeroZona, and the Arizona Black Rodeo. Guest speakers will include Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and Lamont Robinson, vice president and supplier diversity at Nielsen. Cloves C. Campbell, Jr., former member of the Arizona House of representatives, former chairman of NNPA, and current Executive Director of Arizona Commission of African American Affairs will be the master of ceremonies for the event.

Sponsors of the annual brunch include Checkered Flag Run Foundation, The Art Hamilton Group, LLC, Arizona Informant Foundation, AP & Associates, LLC, and Baines Group, Inc.

The event is invitation-only and will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.

The brunch will be hosted during the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, and it will give lawmakers in DC and Arizona an opportunity to meet, mingle, and discuss what makes Arizona unique. Aside from Arizona lawmakers, business owners and tourism representatives from the state will be featured. During the brunch, guests will get a glimpse into travel, tourism, and the convention industry found in Arizona from people who currently work and live in the state.

“Supporting HeroZona allows Nielsen to join other global corporations in our support of veterans seeking employment as well as veteran businesses searching for partnerships. Nielsen is proud to be a trailblazer in the launch of this preeminent event,” said Lamont Robinson- VP Supplier Diversity Nielsen.

“Creating HeroZona was a vision based off a population of 625,000 Arizona Veterans and the 3rd largest U.S. parade in Phoenix. As a U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran I knew would be the perfect venue to celebrate America’s veterans in Arizona through Business, Education, Employment & Patriotism,” said Alan “AP” Powell – Herozona & Checkered Flag Run Foundation Founder.

More information can be found at http://www.herozona.org

About HeroZona

HeroZona exist to Celebrate Americas veterans during National Veterans week in Arizona. This initiative is partnered with the National- Veteran Owned Businesses and is supported by City Of Phoenix Mayor- Greg Stanton, Honoring Arizona’s Veterans, National Veterans Opportunity Coalition, R-Entertainment, Golden Rule Live, Nielsen and Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services; to offer an annual conference and multi-day networking experience designed to improve the support given to veterans through corporate matchmaking, networking, entrepreneurial connections, and more.

PHOENIX, June 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — In its efforts to support families locally, Checkered Flag Run Foundation and The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center – South Mountain are combining two of the city’s largest back-to-school events into one massive day of service: Fifth Annual “Phoenix Tools 4 School,” Sat., July 29, 2017 from 7a.m. to 11a.m. at the Kroc Center at 1375 East Broadway Road, Phoenix.

Separately, the two events each year furnished supplies and backpacks for 3,000 youth. The new collaboration provides backpacks and school supplies for over 7,000 youth returning to school in August.

Checkered Flag Run Foundation Founder, Alan “AP” Powell, said several free or reduced cost services will be offered.

“We are committed to ensuring kids are classroom-ready at the beginning of the school year. We’re thankful for our partners, community and faith leaders for helping us serve families in Phoenix,” he said.

Those services include free breakfast and haircuts for kids, reduced-price Internet service for families, financial literacy classes and a carnival atmosphere with attractions to prepare families for a year of learning and growth. The free event will mostly be inside the Kroc Center’s 40,000 square foot gym during scorching summer heat.

“Phoenix Tools 4 School” has been endorsed by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s Office of Education, who will help distribute backpacks and supplies to kids. The event also is supported by Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, Maricopa County District 2 Supervisor Steve Chucri, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Phoenix Police Department, Phoenix Fire Department, Laveen School District, Roosevelt School District, First Institutional Baptist Church, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Tanner Chapel AME Church and Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65.

Representatives from local professional sports teams will attend including Arizona Diamondbacks Vice President Debbie Castaldo and team mascot, Baxter; Phoenix Suns Head Coach Earl Watson and mascot, Gorilla. Amelia, the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport mascot, also will attend.

For additional information on vendor opportunities, contact Nathan Ullyot at 602-425-5074.

Checkered Flag Run Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 established in 2014 with a mission to provide diverse educational programs that impact students and veterans. Access to quality educational opportunities ensures the investment in every student and veteran to cross the “finish line.” For more information, visit www.cfrf.org.

PHOENIX, July 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Checkered Flag Run Foundation and The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Phoenix South Mountain present the Fifth Annual “Tools 4 School” Sat., July 29, 2017, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Kroc Center, 1375 East Broadway, Phoenix.

Phoenix churches, businesses, social service organizations, schools and media host the largest back-to-school event in South Phoenix history. 7,000 youngsters will receive backpacks, school supplies, breakfast and haircuts to prepare for a successful school year.

Local church support includes Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, First Institutional Baptist Church, Tanner Chapel AME Church, Elevate Christian Church, Greater Bethel AME Church and Fountain of Life House of Worship.

Sponsors include Crescent Crown Distributing, Chase Bank, APS, UPS, SRP, AP & Associates LLC, State Farm, HMS Host, Aetna, Bob’s Bikes, Santa Barbara Catering, Hegg’s Auto Group, Food City, A to Z Distribution, Scottsdale Maserati, Arizona Community Foundation, PLS Financial, Allstate Self Storage, and others.

Special guests include Jonathan W. Lines, Arizona Republican Party chairman; Mesa Airlines Chair & CEO Jonathan G. Ornstein; and Scottsdale Police Chief Alan G. Rodbell. The Arizona Black and Hispanic chambers of commerce are supporting the event, along with the Greater Phoenix Urban League, Helios Foundation, 100 Black Men of Phoenix Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP.

About Checkered Flag Run Foundation. Checkered Flag Run Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 established in 2014 with a mission to provide diverse educational programs that impact students and veterans. Access to quality educational opportunities ensures the investment in every student and veteran to cross the “finish line.” Visit www.cfrf.org.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Approximately 25 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. Eighty-two cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army are used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. Visit www.salvationarmyphoenix.org.

SOURCE Checkered Flag Run Foundation

10,000-Toy Donation Coming to Roosevelt & Laveen School Districts
Tues., May 2, 8-10am, Salvation Army Kroc Center
2nd Annual Veterans Reach to Teach
Calling all Vets to Bring Distinct Know-how to Arizona Classrooms

PHOENIX, April 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Checkered Flag Run Foundation (www.CFRF.org) with the City of Phoenix and Roosevelt and Laveen school districts is honoring military veterans in the classroom presenting more than 10,000 toys to celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, Tues., May 2, 8am-10am, at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center (www.krocphoenix.org), 1375 E. Broadway, Phoenix 85040.

“The presentation is part of the foundation’s second annual Veterans Reach to Teach conversation,” said founder Alan “AP” Powell, “designed to connect and encourage veterans to be trained to fill open teaching posts throughout Arizona.”

Called the Summer Toy Giveaway, the 10,000 toy donation equates to 90 large APS bins of toys and is enough to reach every elementary aged child in the two districts.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton will present proclamations to military Veterans already active in the districts’ classrooms. Other community leaders participating include State Rep. Reginald Bolding (D-Laveen) and Dr. Ann Hart, president of the NAACP Maricopa County Branch.

Superintendents, principals, teachers, public officials and other local leaders will be present to call attention to the thousands of open teaching positions in Arizona schools, encouraging military veterans to bring their broad expertise to Arizona classrooms. Veterans who are teachers, along with their spouses from both districts will attend May 2, and be recognized.

Teachers in both districts will distribute the toys at the end of this school year. The goal is to provide children with toys for safe playtime during summer months, and ensure students understand that this gift is because of their Veteran teachers’ sacrifice for the country.

This year’s Veterans Reach to Teach program is a collaboration among Checkered Flag Run Foundation, Roosevelt and Laveen School Districts, Rep. Bolding, City of Phoenix, American Legion Post 65, Joe Foss Institute, Atlasta Catering, Maricopa Community Colleges Center for Civic Participation, Arizona Informant, Maricopa County Branch of NAACP and The Salvation Army.

CONTACT:
Cynthia Dunne 602.570.7828
Cynthia@FleurComGroup.com
Amanda Moore 816.394.8886
Amanda@FleurComGroup.com

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Arizona professional sports enterprises rally to support The Bridge Forum Scottsdale (www.TheBridgeForum.com), Mon., Jan, 23, 8am-2pm, emphasizing the critical initiative joining law enforcement and communities in dialogue to increase trust and safety in America’s inner cities.

Robert Sarver, owner & managing partner, Phoenix Suns, said: “The success of our inner cities is dependent upon education, safety and jobs. Without the healthy relationship between our communities and law enforcement, safety cannot be achieved.”

E.G. “Ken” Kendrick, owner & managing general partner, Arizona Diamondbacks, said: “I believe that The Bridge Forum is an example of an important commitment to the community — and especially one professional sports can embrace. More than 50 percent of MLB players are from various ethnic backgrounds. Anything that brings together diverse communities and police is of value. I support any program that increases understanding and safety.”

In addition, Arizona Diamondbacks senior advisor Luis Gonzalez and Phoenix Suns Head Coach Earl Watson will provide forum closing luncheon remarks.

The program features the signature panel by police chiefs followed by breakout sessions on topics such as conflict management and multicultural awareness.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said: “Our law enforcement agencies and local communities must work together. The Bridge Forum demonstrates we are all on the same team and we share the goals of ensuring public safety and equal treatment for all in our criminal justice system.”

Johnny C. Taylor, president & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, forum co-host said: “The chasm between certain communities and the police responsible for serving and protecting them is growing wider every day. If we don’t identify ways to close the gap (quickly), our most fragile communities will suffer irreparable harm. The Bridge Forum, therefore, is not a ‘nice to have’ — it is a ‘must have.'”

Alan ‘AP’ Powell, Founding Chairman, Checkered Flag Run Foundation: “This program resonates with professional sports. Many pro players are from neighborhoods where violence is common. The success of these super athletes is a beacon of hope to many in those communities.”

About Checkered Flag Run Foundation (“CFRF”). Founded by U.S. Army Desert Storm veteran Alan “AP” Powell, CRFR’s mission provides diverse educational programs that impact students and veterans. Access to quality educational opportunities ensures the investment in every student and veteran to cross the “finish line.” For more information, visit www.cfrf.org.