In the weeks leading up to the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl – which will serve as the College Football Playoff Semifinal and take place at State Farm Stadium on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 – AZ Big Media is sitting down every Friday with a member of the Fiesta Sports Foundation family to shine a light on the event itself and also all the ways that the Foundation drives economic growth, delivers engaging experiences and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football Bowl Season. Today we sit down with Tammy White, winner of the Fiesta Sports Foundation’s 2024-25 Randi Knappenberger Ambassador of the Year Award.
MORE NEWS: The 100 Best Doctors in Arizona for 2026
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here
First, we hear congratulations are in order.
Oh, I don’t know about all that.
You are too humble. Please share a little about the award you were given earlier this year?
I was very honored to be named the recipient of the 2024-25 Randi Knappenberger Ambassador of the Year Award. This recognition is reserved for an Ambassador whose heart, service and spirit echo the values of the Foundation’s well-respected hospitality standards.
It’s very humbling. I don’t do things for recognition. It’s something that I enjoy. I guess it validates that what I do is important and that it does make an impact.
Tell us about your journey as an Ambassador?
It has been a long road!
I’ve been volunteering in informal ways for years. I began to volunteer before my son was born, so it is more than 35 years if I sit down to count it up. Back then, I knew I wanted to give back to the community, and I have always really liked the Fiesta Bowl Parade. I go back to the days of the duck races for those who remember. I keep coming back because of the smiles on people’s faces. Whether it’s children, adults, fellow Ambassadors, or staff – it means what we are doing at the moment is what needs to be done and is impacting somebody in a good way.
I joined the Ambassadors formally in 2022, and see my role as being gracious hosts, event planners, and of assistance to our amazing staff. In 2024-25, I served as the lead for community outreach, creating year-round opportunities for Ambassadors to stay active beyond football season. I planned the events, whether it was a get-together for lunch or a volunteer activity.
Tell us about some of these activities?
From packing meals at Feed My Starving Children, walking for Alzheimer’s awareness or cooking at the Ronald McDonald House we are consistently finding a way to be of service and to keep Fiesta Sports Foundation’s name out there to show people that our season never ends. This year, as Chair-Elect of the Ambassadors, I am working closely and learning from Chair Laura Hardy [AB1] and look forward to collectively making this one of the best seasons to date.
What has been your favorite Fiesta Bowl game to date as a spectator and why?
I am an Arizona native, and my parents are lifelong Sun Devils fans, and so am I. My parents worked there, in fact, so back in the day I had the chance to meet Frank Kush, only cementing my fandom further. Given that, though it has been awhile, my vote would be any of our appearances in the game, which were in the 1970s and 1980s as the Fiesta Bowl was just getting started and becoming the gold standard that it is today.
Any memorable moments in all of your years volunteering formally and informally?
Oh, that is easy. The Fiesta Bowl Parade! Not only was doing decorations for the parade an absolute delight, but there is something so magical about seeing children’s – even teens’ – faces at 5 a.m. to get going on the parade and then their smiles when it all comes to fruition with the final product. I always take as many kids with me as possible to volunteer and attend the parade, and the smiles are always beaming.
The Fiesta Sports Foundation’s slogan is “Our Season Never Ends.” Share an example of how the Foundation is helping the community outside of the Bowl games themselves?
I think the work we do supporting and volunteering with the Special Olympics is especially impactful, both for the athletes and for us as volunteers. In addition, when I was a child, I took part in a powder puff football game, but we did not have the regular access to sports that females today have. As a result, seeing the girls football clinics all these years later – and the intensity and athleticism of today’s female athlete – is inspiring.
[AB1]Can link back to her profile when it posts
Leave a Reply