Lerner & Rowe Gives Back has supported the annual Summer of a Million Meals campaign for several years, including a $25,000 sponsorship in 2026. Our team was also grateful for the opportunity to volunteer during this year’s telethon and witness the generosity of the Arizona community firsthand.

Hosted by 12News and United Food Bank, the initiative raises critical funds to help families facing food insecurity during the summer months, when many children lose access to dependable school meals. Now in its ninth year, the campaign aims to provide 1 million meals to Arizona families in need.

Throughout the telethon, volunteers, donors, and community organizations came together with one shared goal: ensuring no one has to wonder where their next meal will come from. Seeing so many people rally around this mission was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community works together to help others.

Summer can place added pressure on families already managing rising grocery costs, childcare expenses, and higher utility bills. Community support makes campaigns like this possible, and every donation helps put meals on the table for Arizona families. To learn more or make a contribution, visit United Food Bank.

Photos from the 2026 Summer of a Million Meals: 

2026 Lerner & Rowe Gives Back Cornhole Tournament Champions 

Photo gallery from 2026 Crown Point cornhole tournament:

Raffle and Last Man Standing: Every Dollar Counts

Beyond the bags and boards, this year’s event raised over $1,500 through two crowd favorites that kept the energy high from check-in to the final round. 

Attendees had the chance to purchase raffle tickets for a premium $500 booze basket, generously sponsored by Horizon Bank, as well as entries into Last Man Standing, where one lucky winner took home $250. We are grateful to everyone who grabbed a ticket, entered the bracket, and gave a little extra to the cause.

Thank You to All Our Sponsors, Vendors, Players, and Volunteers 

Every dollar raised from our 5th Annual Cornhole Tournament in Crown Point came from the generosity of this community. Competitors, vendors, volunteers, and spectators all played a part, and so did the incredible organizations that chose to put their names behind our mission.

A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, APM (Advanced Physical Medicine and APM Surgical Group LTD), whose support made this event possible at the highest level. 

Thank you as well to our supporting sponsors — Sklare Law Group, La Clínica Injury Specialists, Custy Law Firm, Vito & Dollenmaier Law, and Lamar — for standing behind a cause that gives 100% back to the community. 

Our beer garden was brought to life by Molson Coors and Carbliss, and our $500 booze basket raffle was generously sponsored by Horizon Bank.

Because of all of you, families across Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland benefit from every registration, raffle ticket, and round played.

To every team that registered, whether you have been with us since year one or stepped on the boards for the first time this year, thank you for being part of it. Bulldog Park was filled with incredible energy all day long, and that is because this community continues to show up year after year.

Our team is proud of how much this tournament has grown, and we are already looking forward to what year six has in store.

Surpassing $1 Million in Community Reinvestment 

The success of this year’s cornhole tournament is about more than one day at Bulldog Park. Every dollar raised adds to a milestone that Lerner & Rowe Gives Back has been building toward for over a decade: more than $1 million reinvested into the lives of families, students, first responders, and nonprofit organizations across Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. 

This tournament is a cornerstone of that fundraising achievement, and every team, sponsor, and volunteer who has ever shown up for it is part of that story. That milestone deserves to be celebrated, and it will be.

On Thursday, June 4, Lerner & Rowe Gives Back will host an evening reception at Journeyman Distillery in Valparaiso, Indiana to mark the occasion. The event will bring together the foundation’s network of nonprofit partners, local chamber and business leaders, and invited guests for a night of hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and meaningful connections. More details to come.

For media inquiries or questions about the June 4 celebration, contact Outreach Director Arianna Hensley at 708-222-2222 ext. 6325 or [email protected].

At Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, we believe that community strength is measured by how we stand together in the face of adversity. That is why our team was honored to return as a sponsor for the Blood Cancer United (BCU) Visionaries of the Year Greater Phoenix Grand Finale.

It was a powerful evening spent alongside survivors, families, and advocates, all driven by a singular, urgent mission: creating a world entirely free of blood cancer.

What Is the Visionaries of the Year Campaign?

The Visionaries of the Year campaign is a high-impact, 10-week philanthropic competition that brings together Phoenix’s most dedicated leaders. These candidates and their teams hit the ground running to raise vital funds for Blood Cancer United in honor of local survivors, known as our Honored Heroes.

The competition culminates in the Grand Finale Gala, a premier event on the Greater Phoenix philanthropic calendar. This invitation-only evening features a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, and the highly anticipated announcement of the “Visionary of the Year”—the candidate whose team raised the most funds to fuel life-saving research.

Driving Life-Saving Research in Arizona and Beyond

Blood Cancer United (formerly recognized as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) stands as the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to blood cancer research and patient support. The impact of campaigns like Visionaries of the Year cannot be overstated:

• $2 Billion Invested: Since 1949, BCU has funneled over $2 billion into cutting-edge research.
• Advancing Treatment: This funding has fueled nearly every major breakthrough in blood cancer treatment over the last several decades.
• The 2040 Goal: BCU is on a mission to help blood cancer patients worldwide gain one million years of life by 2040.

Our Continued Commitment to the Phoenix Community

Events like the Greater Phoenix Grand Finale prove that progress starts at the local level. By supporting these “Visionaries,” we aren’t just attending a gala; we are investing in a future where a cancer diagnosis is no longer life-altering.

We are incredibly grateful to Blood Cancer United for allowing us to be part of this journey once again. Most importantly, we are inspired by the candidates, volunteers, and survivors whose courage and grit make the Phoenix Visionaries of the Year competition a beacon of hope for so many.

Photos from the BCU Visionaries of the Year Greater Phoenix Grand Finale:

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back was proud to once again sponsor Mandy’s Farm’s annual Derby Party, a one-of-a-kind event that blends community, creativity, and philanthropy in support of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Held each year on the first Saturday of May, alongside the iconic Kentucky Derby, the event offers a playful twist on tradition with goat races.

Our team enjoyed embracing the spirit of the day while cheering on the crowd-favorite races, especially our sponsored goat, Totes-Mah-Goat.

At its core, Mandy’s Farm is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through accessible housing, meaningful employment, and strong community connections.

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back is honored to support an organization that creates opportunities, fosters inclusion, and builds a stronger sense of belonging within the community. It was a memorable day filled with fun, generosity, and impact, one that continues to make a lasting difference.

Photo gallery from the 2026 2026 Mandy’s Farm Derby Party:

A Legacy of Giving: 13 Years of Charity Golf Raises Over $6.9 Million

Our 13th Annual Lerner & Rowe Gives Back Charity Golf Classic wasn’t just another event—it was a record-shattering celebration of community. From the first tee-off to the final note played by 80s legends The Reflexx, the day was defined by high energy and an even higher purpose.

For the fourth consecutive year, we are humbled to announce that we have surpassed the million-dollar mark, raising an incredible $1,120,842.25. As always, 100% of these funds stay right here in Arizona, fueling our 2026 grant awards and supporting the nonprofits that keep our communities strong.

The Power of Momentum

Since 2014, our mission has been to turn a love for the game into a lifeline for those in need. What started as a $67,000 initiative has evolved into a million-dollar movement.

Our Charity Golf Classic Fundraising Journey:

• 2026: $1,120,842 (The New Record!)
• 2025: $1,031,000+
• 2024: $1,015,000+
• 2023: $1.12M
• 2022 – 2014: A steady climb from $569K down to our $67K roots.
• Total Impact: Over $6.9 Million raised in 13 years.

More Than Just a Round of Golf

We believe in “giving back” to those who give so generously. This year’s participants enjoyed a “Hole-in-One” experience that went far beyond the green:

• The Atmosphere: Libations, elevated culinary bites, and a fun 19th hole afterparty with a live 80s tribute band.
• The Gear: A $250 onsite concept shop credit and “insane” swag bags featuring Beats noise-canceling headphones, Oakley sunglasses, and electric inflators.
• The Thrills: High-stakes drone drop, skills contests, and drawing.

A Message from Our Founder

 “We are overwhelmed by the dedication of our sponsors and donors for our 13th Annual Classic. We especially want to thank our top sponsors: Auto Pros Collision Center, FUSION Rehabilitation, Pro Performance Chiropractic, Collision Chiropractors, Stamp Medical, and Collision Xperts. It’s inspiring to see this event evolve from a small gathering into a one-day, million-dollar force for good. The positive impact these funds will create across Arizona will be felt for years to come.” — Kevin Rowe, Esq., Founder of Lerner & Rowe Gives Back.

The Countdown to 2027 is On!

We’re already dreaming up ways to make our 14th Annual Charity Golf Classic in 2027 even bigger. Whether you’re a returning sponsor or a first-time golfer, we invite you to be part of the legacy.

Stay Connected: Explore our site to see how your contributions support youth programs, health and human services, and public safety initiatives throughout the year.

View a photo gallery from our 2026 Arizona Charity Golf Classic:

What an incredible afternoon in Downtown Phoenix! The excitement at the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley – I.G. Homes Branch was undeniable at the grand opening of its brand-new pickleball court designed for local youth.

This special event on April 27th marked more than just a ribbon cutting—it officially launched a nationwide partnership between USA Pickleball Serves and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. As part of this initiative, every one of Arizona’s 75 Boys & Girls Clubs branches received pickleball equipment bundles, helping introduce the fastest-growing sport in the country to kids across the state and opening the door for new programming everywhere.

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back was proud to play a role in making this moment possible, contributing a $15,000 donation toward the construction of the new court at the I.G. Homes Branch.

Following the ribbon-cutting, the celebration quickly turned into action. USA Pickleball hosted an interactive learn-to-play clinic right on the brand-new court, giving the kids a chance to step in, pick up a paddle, and experience the game firsthand. The energy was contagious—paddles popping, laughter filling the air, and students in navy shirts (representing the I.G. Homes Branch) fully engaged in learning the sport alongside the pros.

Moments like these highlight exactly what makes community partnerships so meaningful. Beyond the game itself, the day was about creating opportunities—building confidence, encouraging teamwork, and giving kids a space to grow through play.

A heartfelt thank you to USA Pickleball Serves and the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley for inviting Lerner & Rowe Gives Back to be part of this historic kickoff. We’re excited to see this new court become a lasting hub of activity, joy, and development for the I.G. Homes Branch for years to come.

Boys & Girls Club I.G. Homes Branch Pickleball photo gallery (photos by Anna Carrington):

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back was honored to serve as a Protector of Services sponsor of the 2026 Heroes Gala, hosted by the 100 Club of Arizona. The evening brought together community leaders, supporters, and public safety professionals to recognize the service and sacrifice of Arizona’s first responders.

100 Club’s Heroes Gala is a meaningful tribute to the men and women who serve and protect communities across the state. Proceeds from the event help provide immediate financial assistance and long-term support to the families of firefighters and law enforcement officers who have been seriously injured or lost in the line of duty.

Events like the Heroes Gala serve as a powerful reminder that while no contribution can replace a loved one, a strong community can help ease the burden. Lerner & Rowe Gives Back is proud to stand alongside the 100 Club of Arizona in supporting those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

We are grateful to be part of an evening that honors courage, strengthens community, and provides meaningful support to Arizona’s first responder families.

Additional Photos from the 2026 Heroes Gala:

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back was honored to serve as both the Runway Sponsor and Event Favor Sponsor at PANDA’s 26th Annual Children Helping Children Fashion Show & Luncheon, themed “Among the Wildflowers.” The event welcomed more than 1,200 guests. Each had the opportunity to leave with a seed packet favor, a simple but meaningful reminder of growth, hope, and the impact of giving back.

At the heart of the event were the children. From community-nominated models to inspiring patient models, the runway shined with fashion favorites and the importance of advancing pediatric medical research. 

This year’s fundraising efforts focused on advancing pediatric cancer research and unraveling autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases in children—critical areas that bring hope to families across Arizona and beyond.

Most notably, the event reached an important milestone: it was fully underwritten by sponsors, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to pediatric medical research.

We are grateful to stand alongside PANDA and its supporters in helping drive meaningful progress for children and families. 

Events like PANDA’s 26th Annual Children Helping Children Fashion Show reflect the power of community, compassion, and collective action. We look forward to continuing this impactful partnership.

Hi Kevin and Jordan,

We didn’t want the week to end without thanking you both for your commitment to our Wish Kids and sponsorship of Wish Ball 2026!

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back is truly helping Make-A-Wish ensure that every eligible child with a critical illness receives a Life-Changing Wish!  We can’t do this work alone, we thank you!

We hope the team enjoyed the evening, full of joy, happiness and hope.

Best Wishes,

Vicki Fiorelli
Sr. Director of New Business Partnerships
Make-A-Wish® Arizona

As a 2025 Lerner & Rowe Gives Back grant recipient, Ability360 was awarded $19,700 to purchase specialized equipment for its adaptive wheelchair sports programs.

The wheelchairs will give athlete’s the chance to participate in a sport they may otherwise not have had the opportunity to experience.

Learn more about Ability360 and the wide range of programs and services it has provided for over 40 years, empowering individuals with disabilities and their family members.