Scottsdale Saguaros award $250,000 to Banner Children’s Community Clinics
Donation will support Mesa, Tolleson clinics and the Healthmobile
11/1/2025
The Scottsdale Saguaros have granted $250,000 to the Banner Health Foundation to support the Banner Children’s Community Clinics in Mesa and Tolleson as well as the Banner’s Children’s Healthmobile, which brings free primary care to uninsured children.
The service group, which raises funds for numerous children’s charities throughout the Phoenix area, recently presented Banner Health representatives with its donation in October at the Mesa clinic. The clinics in Mesa and Tolleson serve the uninsured with free exams and treatment along with the Healthmobile, which sees patients in San Tan Valley and Maricopa neighborhoods.
“Our goal is to have the biggest impact possible, so we look for charity partners with which to do that,” said Scottsdale Saguaros member Ian Sachs, who helped present the check on behalf of the Saguaros. “Over the last year we have partnered with Banner to make this mission a reality to have a major impact on thousands of children across the Valley who are uninsured, so they can have the health care that they need. And, for us, this is an incredible way to help provide that for them.”
More than 3,000 uninsured children are cared for at the two Banner Children’s Community Clinics and an additional 500 children are seen aboard the Healthmobile. The clinics offer primary care, behavioral health screenings, specialty care referrals, sports physicals and injury prevention education for families with young children.
“We are incredibly gratified to receive this support from the Scottsdale Saguaros to serve vulnerable children in our community,” said Andy Petersen, president and CEO for the Banner Health Foundation. “The Saguaros have been committed to helping the youth of our area for more than 35 years, and it is wonderful to be the recipient of this investment to help vulnerable kids stay well and wonderful.”
Most Banner Children’s Community Clinics and Healthmobile patients come from families with low incomes, lack health insurance, have limited access to transportation, and many prefer to communicate in Spanish. As a result, the clinics see children who have had little to no previous primary care.
About the Scottsdale Saguaros
Founded in 1987, the philanthropic and social club known today as the Saguaros has raised millions of dollars for local Arizona non-profit organizations. Comprised of up to 50 young men under the age of 40, they proudly give back to the community and support children’s charities through three main fundraising events: NiteFlite, Brokers for Kids and Agents Benefiting Children. Most important, the Saguaros is unique among service organizations in that it not only raises money for children’s charities, but also encourage “hands on” interaction with the children the club supports. This active participation serves to strengthen relationships with those it serves and create a true partnership with its charity partners.
