2024 Bash for the Blue and Camo 2

For the second year in a row, Lerner & Rowe was proud to sponsor Protecting K9 Heroes, an extraordinary organization that provides K9 Narcan and first aid kits, as well as ballistic vests, to working K9s across the country through police and military agencies. 

In addition, Protecting K9 Heroes often helps provide crucial funding for K9 medical bills when departments can no longer do so. 

The annual Bash for the Blue and Camo 2 event brought hundreds of supporters and beneficiaries from near and far for an evening of fundraising and honoring fallen K9s.

Find out more about Protecting K9 Heroes at protectingk9heroes.com.

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Photo gallery from Bash for the Blue and Camo 2:

On October 17th, Lerner & Rowe Gives Back had the privilege of honoring 21 outstanding organizations at our first Arizona Grant Cycle Charities Reception. Held in a warm, celebratory atmosphere, the event highlighted the powerful work of these nonprofits and the positive impact they make across Arizona. 

This year’s grant recipients address a diverse range of critical community needs, aligning with our dedication to giving back and fostering positive change within four areas to include youth programs, health and human services, animal welfare, and public safety. From providing essential resources to vulnerable families, offering educational programs that empower underserved youth, to advancing healthcare services and promoting the safety and wellbeing of both people and animals, each initiative is truly making a difference in our communities. 

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in this celebration, from the recipients to our own Lerner & Rowe Gives Back team members and supporters. The evening was a beautiful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with compassion and purpose.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to uplifting Arizona’s communities and supporting these organizations in their impactful work. Together, we are stronger and capable of making a lasting difference. 

Find the full list of our 2024 Arizona grant cycle recipients here.

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Photo gallery:

For the thirteenth year in a row, Lerner and Rowe Gives Back is pleased to support the “Paul’s Pay it Forward Car Wash” hosted by Arizona’s Family Meteorologist Paul Horton. 

For 2024, our team washed cars for charity and presented a $10,000 check towards this annual fundraiser benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ). 

Go to BBBSAZ.org to join us in supporting this fantastic cause by making your own donation.

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Photo gallery:

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back was honored to sponsor the Firefighters Unite Against Cancer Gala, hosted by Local 493 Firefighter Foundation, at the $5,000 level. This inspiring event united community members, businesses, and families to support firefighters battling cancer, raising vital funds for resources and assistance for those affected.

The evening featured heartfelt stories from firefighters and their families, highlighting the immense courage required to face cancer. It was a powerful reminder of the health risks firefighters endure daily and the importance of providing tailored support.

Through our sponsorship, we proudly joined a mission that aligns with our commitment to giving back. Being part of such an impactful event strengthened our foundation’s connection to the community and reaffirmed our dedication to supporting those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Local 493 Firefighter Foundation and contributing to their essential work.

Learn more about the event at https://493foundation.com/pages/fu-cancer.

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Photo gallery:

Foster Arizona is one of our Lerner & Rowe Gives Back 2024 grant recipients. Our team was excited to visit their headquarters in Mesa, Arizona, and learn more about how they plan to utilize their $15k grant for their housing program. 

Foster Arizona provides transitional housing designed to assist young adults between the ages of 18-24 who have aged out of foster care. 

Program participants receive individualized support and resources, which may include: 

• Life skills training
• Educational assistance
• Career exploration
• Mentorship
• Self-Sufficiency development
• Community connections
• Clothing and transportation

Young men and women are invited to learn more about the Foster Arizona Housing Project and how to apply for assistance at fosterarizonahousingproject.org.

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back was proud to once again commit to an Ambassador-level sponsorship for a Fresh Start annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the 2024 Sip & Soirée, including our $10,000 donation, will go directly to support Fresh Start’s mission of providing women in our community with the tools they need to thrive.  

For over three decades, Fresh Start has been a cornerstone in the community of Phoenix, focusing on the empowerment of women through adversity into self-sufficiency. By providing comprehensive support with one-on-one guidance and essential resources, Fresh Start is committed to helping women become the heroes of their own stories.

Learn more about the services and support offered by Fresh Start at freshstartwomen.org.

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2024 Sip & Soirée LRGB photo gallery:

Recently, our Lerner & Rowe Gives Back team had the chance to visit HUNKAPI Programs and learn firsthand how our $23,000 grant is put to use. Equine-assisted therapy at HUNKAPI is a unique and innovative way to strengthen family bonds, helping parents and children build more solid, supportive relationships. 

For 2024, HUNKAPI Programs created a new family-focused initiative, their Horse Heart Connection program. Through this equine-assisted therapy program, families learn mindfulness techniques that help empower both children and adults with tools to better handle life’s challenges in positive, life-affirming ways. 

We are honored to be part of their journey and are excited to continue supporting their mission to create lasting change in the community.

Learn more about HUNKAPI Programs at hunkapi.org.

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HUNKAPI Programs tour photo gallery:

On September 26th, three members from our Phoenix team once again had the pleasure to help send off a Make-A-Wish child for her dream trip to Disney World. 

Joined by her family, there were smiles for miles while they waited to depart.   

Team members Norma, Virginia, and Jess shared the following comments regarding this special sendoff: 

Doing a sendoff for Make-A-Wish Arizona was awesome. It was great to interact with the child and their family and to see their excitement. I will participate in such a joyful event again. Also, there was a complete stranger that came up to the group and gave $200.00 to Make-A-Wish. Everyone was cheering! =)

–Norma

It was definitely an incredible honor helping send off this beautiful family to Disney World! Seeing the excitement on their faces and knowing this trip will create lifelong memories is beyond heartwarming. Thank you for the opportunity and allowing me to be part of such a great and magical day!

–Virginia

It was an early morning filled with unexpected twists and turns, but when we reached the gate and saw not only Madelyn’s smiling face but also that of her sister and brother, it became clear that they were not just making their flight; their biggest wish was coming true, making it all worth it.

–Jesse

Who Can Make a Wish?

Make-A-Wish Arizona is part of a national foundation that turns wishes into life-changing memories for children with critical illnesses. Children must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a wish: 

1. Children who are older than 2 ½ years and younger than 18
2. Children who have been diagnosed with a critical illness, i.e., a progressive, degenerative, or malignant medical condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy.

Out of respect for the privacy of families they serve, the foundation also has criteria for those who would like to refer a child:

• Parents or legal guardians
• Family members with detailed knowledge of the child’s current medical condition
• Medical Professionals such as providers (doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant), nurse, social worker, or child-life specialist 

Learn more at wish.org/arizona.

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