To our readers: A big thank you

At The Arizona Republic and azcentral, it’s clear that we care about making our community a place where everyone thrives.

Our journalism keeps readers informed about concerts and highschool sports, shady business deals and changes in our foster-care system.

Local businesses grow, flourish and compete globally with data-driven so-

lutions from our marketing teams.

And, like so many of you, we look for ways to give back.

We are happy to report that our 201718 Season for Sharing campaign raised and gave away $2.2 million to 153 Arizona non-profits. The money came from our subscribers, plus matching money from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and the Gannett Foundation. Because The Republic/azcentral covers all administrative costs, 100 percent of donations go back to help the needy.

That’s 153 agencies that will use the money to help violence victims get on their feet, find housing for the homeless, feed kids during summer break and boost older Arizonans’ independence.

In its 24 years, Season for Sharing has raised more than $62 million, primarily from our donors and subscribers.

Today, we celebrate Thank You Thursday — a day designed to show how your contributions to Season for Sharing enrich the community.

Our Season for Sharing partners appreciate your support and so do we. In print, online and at facebook.com /seasonforsharing today, we offer glimpses of how donations are used and introduce you to people who talk about why Season for Sharing is vital:

Season for Sharing’s success is a group effort by subscribers, donors and our generous partners: the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Arizona Community Foundation and the Gannett Foundation. To those foundations, our heartfelt thanks.

And on behalf of Season for Sharing and the agencies that will benefit from your generosity, thank you all.