SEPTEMBER 2017 8 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM And that’s just what they are doing on their own. That doesn’t include what they’re doing under the umbrella of the team and Phoenix Suns Charities. “It’s tremendously impactful to have a group of players that understand and support the mission of Phoenix Suns Charities,” said Sarah Krahenbuhl, executive director of Phoenix Suns Charities. “They get that it’s bigger than basketball and are extremely engaged in giving back to the community.” Look, everyone knows that when it comes to pro sports, winning cures everything. And the Suns haven’t been winning on the court the past few years. Hopefully that changes soon. But a team’s connection to the community goes far beyond the court or field or ice. When fans feel that the players they’re paying to watch truly care about the city they live in, and will return some of their limited time and extraordinary treasure in the form of community involvement, it strengthens the bonds. That’s why Steve Nash, Luis Gonzales, Larry Fitzgerald and Shane Doan are all beloved locally. They not only are (or were) great athletes. They made it about more than just sports. This new group of young Suns gets it and they’re showing it through their actions. In time, the results will come on the court. The impact they are making on the community is immediate. NEXT DOOR CONTINUED Eric Bledsoe Devin Booker @tevans927 Tom Evans CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

SEPTEMBER 2017 FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM | 9 3 keynotes & 14 breakout sessions Join Us! Alliance Member $95, Non-Member $115 7:30 am to 9:00 am Networking/Breakfast 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Program Desert Willow Conference Center, Phoenix ArizonaNonprofits.org/Stronger image: copyright: lightwise / 123RF Stock Photo Growing Stronger. Sept. 20, 2017 The 2017 Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits Annual Conference Susan Kenny Stevens Founding CEO Jeff Moore Chief Strategy Officer Eva Nico Senior Director of Programs