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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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: