About
Formed in 1961, the Scottsdale Charros are an all-volunteer, nonprofit group of business and civic leaders that help build our community by supporting youth, sports, education, and charitable causes.
From their very beginning, the Charros – meaning gentlemen riders – embodied the City of Scottsdale’s slogan, “The West’s Most Western Town.” Today, the Scottsdale Charros remain an all-volunteer, nonprofit group who raise funds to support the Scottsdale community. Most of these funds are raised through Spring Training Baseball which the Charros have hosted in Scottsdale Stadium for more than 60 years. The Charro Foundation was formed in 1985 to support the Charros’ mission through expanded partnerships and collaboration with Scottsdale-area community organizations.
History
Explore the 60+ year history of the Scottsdale Charros.
1960s
On March 1, 1961, a small group met at Rollie Foltman’s office in Scottsdale. Foltman, Pat O’Day, Carl Roe, and Dave Hallstrom discussed forming an organization to promote Scottsdale. On April 6, 1961, our founders met at the Hotel Valley Ho and officially formed what would become the Scottsdale Charros. Attendees included Pat O’Day, Paul Engebretson, Fred Stresen-Reuter, Carl Plumb, Rob McCampbell, Whitie Chambers, Don Chambers, Dick Houseworth, and Dave Hallstrom. They decided to form an organization of 30 active Scottsdale businessmen, all under the age of 45. Pat O’Day was elected the first president.
A special meeting was held on May 10, 1961, at the Lulu Belle, where the group officially renamed themselves the Scottsdale Charros, meaning “Gentleman Rider” in Spanish. The Charros became a special activity affiliate of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, maintaining autonomy while promoting sports and events to attract tourists and entertain residents. The Scottsdale Charros, Inc. was approved as a non-profit corporation on January 5, 1962, and officially published by the State of Arizona on February 15.
Working with the Scottsdale Baseball Club, the Charros hosted the Fourth Annual Baseball Old Timers Day Brunch at the Safari Hotel on March 16, 1962, with approximately 345 attendees. To celebrate their first Spring Training season, 13 Charros and 15 guests embarked on a four-day trail ride in the McDowell Mountains, departing from Scottsdale Country Club on November 15, 1962. This ride became a signature annual event, embodying the town’s slogan, “The West’s Most Western Town.”
1960s
1970s
The Scottsdale Charros continued hosting Spring Training Baseball with the Cubs until 1978, then negotiated a three-year deal to bring the Oakland A’s to Scottsdale. They also supported various youth and community events through participation and donations.
1980s
In 1982, the Charros welcomed the San Francisco Giants to their new Spring Training home at Scottsdale Stadium. In 1986, they formalized their philanthropic efforts by incorporating The Scottsdale Charro Community Foundation, now known as The Charro Foundation. They provided seed money to various Scottsdale groups and events and began offering scholarships to local students.
Initiated by Scottsdale Charro Dr. Dick Collins, the First Annual Scottsdale Charros Outstanding Student Scholarship Award Program was held in the spring of 1987 at the Sunburst Resort, honoring a male and female student from each of Scottsdale’s four high schools.
In 1988, Scottsdale Mayor Herb Drinkwater appointed the Mayor’s Baseball Committee to study how to keep the Giants in Scottsdale and finance renovations for Scottsdale Stadium. Scottsdale Charro Purd Thomas chaired the committee, which, after nearly five months of meetings, presented recommendations supported by Giants General Manager Al Rosen. A multi-million-dollar bond issue for a new stadium was presented to and passed by Scottsdale voters in November 1989.
1980s
1990s
In 1993, educator recognition was added to the annual student scholarship program, renamed the Scottsdale Charros Outstanding Student and Educator Awards. Thanks to a $50,000 Charros gift, a 1950-vintage Allan Herschell carousel was restored for use in Scottsdale’s McCormick Stillman Railroad Park in 1997. In 1999, they established the Future Teacher Scholarship, enabling two Scottsdale high school seniors to attend an Arizona public university.
1990s
2000s
In 2005, the Charros, the City of Scottsdale, and the San Francisco Giants announced a $23.1 million upgrade to Scottsdale Stadium, alongside a new agreement to host Spring Training through 2025. In 2011, they co-sponsored the $1.7 million Miracle League Field for children with special needs and celebrated their 50th anniversary with a reenactment of their first ride into the McDowell Mountains.
2000s
2010s
The following year, they launched the first-ever Spring Training Festival, which won a Governor’s Tourism Award. In 2013, they hosted the inaugural Scottsdale Showdown, featuring Championship Bull Riding and a country concert.
Their commitment to supporting local culture and education continued with a $250,000 donation in 2014 to the Scottsdale Museum of the West—their largest donation to date. In 2015, they initiated the Charros Community Celebration to unite supporters of Spring Training baseball, the San Francisco Giants, and the City of Scottsdale.
In 2017, they partnered with the Scottsdale Unified School District and ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to launch the Coronado Success Initiative, which aimed to improve academic outcomes at Coronado High School. During this time, they also donated over $1 million to local charitable and educational partners. Additionally, they introduced the CHAPS Charities state tax credit program, now known as the Charro Arizona Tax Credit program.
On June 11, 2019, they extended their Spring Training partnership with the City of Scottsdale and the San Francisco Giants for another 25 years.
2010s
2020s
A $50 million renovation of Scottsdale Stadium was completed in February 2020, featuring a new clubhouse, a multi-use ballroom, enhanced amenities, and an expanded Charro Lodge, which achieved a full-season revenue record in 2024.
In 2021, they introduced the Charro Invitational Golf Tournament at Grayhawk Golf Club, a western-themed event that attracts over 200 participants annually. They also launched an Arizona education vanity license plate with the Arizona Department of Transportation, benefiting their mission with each renewal. After almost fifty years of participation, they began managing the Parada del Sol Parade with the City of Scottsdale, celebrating western heritage and community spirit.
2020s
Charging Ahead
Since their founding in 1961, Scottsdale has grown and modernized, yet its rich and diverse Western heritage remains a cornerstone of the community. The Charros remain dedicated to strengthening community ties through their support for nonprofit charities, educational partners, and programs that emphasize youth, education, and sports, ensuring Scottsdale’s unique charm and quality of life continue to thrive.
CHARGING AHEAD
Charro Foundation
The Charro Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that was formed in 1985 to promote education through scholarships and other programming, and to promote youth activities, sports, and cultural enrichment in the Scottsdale community. The Foundation proudly supports this mission by developing programming through partnerships and collaboration with Scottsdale area community organizations.
Impact Map
More than 100 local organizations and 30 public schools benefited from Charros’ support last year, which is all made possible by our generous supporters who participate in spring training baseball and our other fundraising activities.
