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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Lerner & Rowe Gives Back was honored to once again stand hand-in-hand with Sojourner Center as an Empowerment Sponsor for its annual Better Together Breakfast. 

During the breakfast, our team members listened to inspirational firsthand accounts of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking survivors.

Witnessing their resilience after they overcame their trauma left a lasting impression.

Funds from the event will directly support Sojourner Center’s vital programs offering shelter, safety, and supportive services to adults and children impacted by these devastating crimes. 

For more information about Sojourner Center and how you can get involved, visit: sojournercenter.org.

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back once again visited Phoenix Rescue Mission to check out their Mobile Food Pantry, which we supported with a $10,000 grant this year. 

As an added bonus, we were able to volunteer during a distribution event where we helped pass out food, hygiene bags, and connect with community members.

You can find out more about Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Mobile Food Pantry and other life-transforming solutions at phoenixrescuemission.org.

Put On The Cape provides law-enforcement advocacy and support through lighthearted events. This support of law enforcement is just one reason why Lerner and Rowe is proud to once again partner with the foundation for a day of giving back.

The Superhero Shopping Spree this September supported the Glendale Family Advocacy Center and the Urban Ministry Teen Center, bringing joy and empowerment to children in need. With the generous help of Walmart and Put on The Cape’s amazing Supers, the lives of local youth were meaningfully impacted.

One heartwarming moment stood out when a young girl, initially strong in her dislike for law enforcement, had a change of heart. Through the love and acceptance shown by everyone, including the officers, she felt special and valued. By the end of the day, she couldn’t stop talking about how amazing the police officers were. This transformation is a powerful reminder of what can happen when we take the time to show care and compassion.

Our team also wholeheartedly agrees with Put On The Cape President/Founder, Sean Reavie’s view that “So many great things happen when you care enough to care.”

Visit putonthecape.org to learn more about this amazing organization and how you can join their efforts in supporting children who have experienced abuse, neglect, assault, or are navigating the court system.

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Additional candid moments:

This past Saturday, our team once again proudly participated in the annual Salt River Fields 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. It was a deeply moving experience to honor the fallen heroes of 9/11 alongside our community.

We climbed the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center, a symbolic journey that paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the firefighters, police officers, and EMS workers who perished on that tragic day. Each team carried a badge with the name and photo of a fallen first responder, adding a personal touch to this powerful act of remembrance.

The 2024 Salt River Fields 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb wasn’t just about physical exertion; it was about coming together as a community to remember the courage and selflessness displayed by our first responders. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of solemnity and solidarity, reminding us of the importance of never forgetting those who gave their lives for others.

If you’d like to learn more about this annual memorial event and how you can be involved next year, visit the official website: discoversaltriver.com/salt-river-stair-climb.

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Remembering Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

As proud sponsors of the 100 Club of Arizona’s annual Tower Challenge, we were deeply honored to join a community dedicated to honoring the brave individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Held each year to commemorate the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, which stood 110 floors and 2,071 steps tall, this event invites thousands of Arizonans to walk, climb, and run as a testament to resilience, courage, and remembrance.

Throughout the morning, participants—firefighters in full gear, police officers, military members, bomb squad personnel, and civilians of all ages and abilities—gathered in solidarity. They ascended the stairs lined with photographs of the fallen heroes, pausing to read the names and reflect on the remarkable courage of those who gave their lives in service to others.

The Tower Challenge not only provided a powerful way to reflect on 9/11 but also offered an important opportunity to recognize and support the first responders and military members who continue to protect us daily. As participants pushed forward together, the spirit of unity and determination filled the air, reminding us all of the kindness, bravery, and strength displayed during that tragic time.

Proceeds from the event go directly to the 100 Club of Arizona, which extends critical support to the families of police and fire personnel who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. We are immensely grateful to play a role in this meaningful tribute. Learn more about this annual memorial at 100club.org. 

Despite a rainy start to the morning, our team popped into the 45th Annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival where we participated in the morning parade. 

Each year, nearly 50,000 local and out of state individuals gather in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana to celebrate Popcorn Fest. 

This end of summer festival celebrates and honors the man behind the famous popcorn brand, Orville Redenbacher, who lived in Valparaiso most of his life.

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Lerner & Rowe Gives Back spent the evening of August 29th at Ryan House serving a meal to local families who have recently experienced the heartbreak that comes with the death of a child. This was in partnership with Ryan House, who received $30k during the 2024 Lerner & Rowe Gives Back grant cycle toward their respite care program. The respite program allows families to take a break and recharge, while their child experiences fun activities with other young patients at the House. 

Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in Arizona that provides around the clock compassionate medical care for medically fragile children from diagnosis through the hospice journey. 

Learn how you can give back and help support Ryan House at ryanhouse.org/ways-to-help.

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We were thrilled to have the opportunity to donate $10,000 to the Phoenix Mercury in support of their charitable causes. With our contribution, we’ve been able to send 1,000 local children to a Phoenix Mercury game this season, creating unforgettable memories and inspiring the next generation of basketball fans.

For us, this donation was more than just a financial contribution; it was a way to give back to our community. We’re proud to help bring joy and excitement to the lives of young people in our area.

We recognize the impact this experience has had and want to express our heartfelt thanks for the chance to be part of such a meaningful initiative.