Phoenix Employees Raise $1 Million for Valley Non-Profit Organizations

It's been a tough year for Phoenix city employees -- from enduring false claims by politicos they are bilking the city with their average compensation at $100,000 to being vilified in the 2011 mayoral election, accused of bleeding taxpayers with their inflated salaries and bloated benefits.

Despite it all, city employees have proven that they care about the community they live in by raising $1 million through payroll deductions and various department fundraisers ranging from bake sales to golf tournaments to a "jet pull" at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Over the past 10 years, Phoenix employees have raised more than $13.5 million during their annual Community Service Fund Drive -- even as some, namely Councilman Sal DiCiccio, are screeching about what a financial drain they are on the community.

The money goes to Valley of the Sun United Way and other nonprofit organization.

"The generous donations of city employees help our youth, increase the financial security of working families, end hunger and homelessness, and so much more," Phoenix City Manager David Cavazos says in a press release.