SAFFORD — The Gila Valley received good news moments before the start of the annual Holiday Light Parade, when T-Mobile announced that the Safford Downtown Association is the recipient of a 2022 Hometown Grant.
T-Mobile is granting $50,000 to assist in completing the renovation of the Historic Safford Theatre.
“Launched in April 2021, T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations that help small towns across America thrive and grow by providing funding to kick-start vital community development projects. Since the program’s start, and including the December recipients, T-Mobile will have given more than $6.8 million dollars to 150 communities across 41 states, including Safford,” T-Mobile officials said in an e-mail to Gila Valley Central.
“The initiative has even led to an additional $2 million in matching funds by other local resources, and more than 12,000 in volunteer hours. The local impact of T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants is also underscored by the completion of 62 projects to-date, including renovations, restorations and the creation of 12 playgrounds, eight parks, eight community art projects, seven buildings, six sustainability projects, and six new ADA compliant play structures.”
The $50,000 to the Safford Downtown Association is the first Hometown Grant awarded by T-Mobile to an Arizona community.
Editor’s note: Reporter David Bell is a member of the Safford Downtown Association board.
