Construction community fundraiser ‘Big Dig for Kids’ benefits Phoenix Children’s

Every holiday season, Arizona’s construction community comes together to bring “Big Dig for Kids” to life. The event transforms an active construction site into a memorable, hands-on experience for pediatric patients and their families, all in support of Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Over 200 patients and their families participated in the annual event, which raised more than $1.2 million and allowed them to safely operate real equipment, explore massive machinery and enjoy inclusive, fun-filled activities.

This industry-led initiative has contributed more than $4 million to Phoenix Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, supporting critical care and lifesaving treatment for children across the Valley.

Sarah Owen, District Business Development Manager at Sundt Construction, and Haley Turner, Corporate Development Officer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the event.

“This all started back in 2016. Dave Crawford, our founder, had a vision to create a beautiful day,” Owen said. “A magical say for kiddos that were battling disease and just take them away from their worries, bring their siblings, their families out, and just find the love and passion that we all do for the construction industry.”

Attendees and their families have the opportunity to operate real construction machinery and dig around in the dirt. The location is a real construction site, which gives the kids a glimpse into what goes into the job.

“It truly is the best day of the year. It really just gives them a sense of joy,” Turner said. “A sense of normalcy, as these kids and families are going through some really tough times. It is just a special day where the construction community comes together and wraps their arms around these kiddos.”

All Phoenix Children’s patients past and present are invited to the event along with their families. The event usually attracts over 500 kids and many attendees come back year after year.

“It is the real stuff, and it really gives them the opportunity to take full reign in a digger, and excavator, a big water pump truck, and just enjoy the experience,” Turner said.