As the catchy advertising jingle goes, Lerner & Rowe are known as the “way to go.” They’re the firm where personal injury law meets a people-focused approach. Yet, in many communities, this firm is better known as an advocate and champion for positive change. Launched by the firm’s founder and partner, Kevin Rowe, Lerner & Rowe Gives Back (LRGB) and the Rowe Family Foundation are both creating meaningful social impact programs, dedicated to paying it forward.
Inspired by his father, Sam Rowe, Kevin Rowe’s calling to give back to society began at an early age. As a child, he watched his father aid with local cancer benefits. This ignited a dedication to give back and served as the impetus for LRGB, Lerner & Rowe’s company charity arm. LRGB advocates for and improves the lives of children who live in poverty, cope with the effects of illness or disease, or otherwise need assistance. In addition to this, the firm leads compassion work, touching the homeless, the hungry, the abused and sick and, in many cases, even helping four-legged friends.
The Rowe Family Foundation began when Kevin and his oldest daughter would go pick out a bike to donate to a family in need. The goal was to teach the spirit of giving to his young child, but the results were much further reaching. Today, this program, run in partnership with the McKenna Youth Foundation, is one of the most widely recognized community give-back programs in the State of Arizona. Thus far, the program has impacted thousands and has a goal to give back $1 million to support local nonprofits in 2023.
In 2019, through a partnership with the Phoenix Rescue Mission, Lerner & Rowe aired a commercial featuring “Super Kevin.” This commercial’s call to community action prompted greater engagement and support from the firm. As Kevin Rowe shared, “A key part of our company is making a positive social impact, including supporting the communities we live and work in through sponsorship, donations and time. Being able to see that work pay off is the most rewarding feeling.”
The firm’s commitment to philanthropy continues to expand. With the addition of Executive Director Jordan Moreno and the launch of an organized grants process coming in late January 2023, the firm is formalizing many of its giving efforts. LRGB will welcome new organizations that fit its pillars for funding to apply for support. These include public safety, health and human services, youth programs and animal welfare.
Along with the growth of the company’s charity arm, the firm will continue to share its key community engagement initiatives. From Back-to-School Backpack Giveaways to Thanksgiving Turkey drives and Lerner & Rowes’ 25 Days of Giving, the firm will continue leading campaigns that serve thousands of kids and families. Having donated five thousand backpacks and turkeys, all in the past year, LRGB continues to pay it forward while developing its strategic corporate citizenship efforts.
As a fervent funder of community causes, Lerner & Rowe also sponsors roughly 20 events annually. Most notably in 2022 were A Stepping Stone Foundation’s Gala, Janice’s Women’s Center’s Gala, LovePup Family Fests and Boys & Girls Club Raise the Roof. This financial support translates to activism as well, with Lerner & Rowe employees also volunteering for many charity partners. This activation of employees who care complements the company’s larger support for events such as Paul’s Car Wash, where employees wash cars in addition to the firm’s financial support.
As executive director for LRGB, Jordan Moreno shares, “At Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, it’s important to lift others in the community in many different ways.” The upcoming grant cycle will be the catalyst to expand this impact, stretching LRGB’s reach from one corner of the state to the other while getting its employees involved in the give-back process along the way. All dollars donated support Arizona 501(c)3s as the firm is committed to helping those in need in its own backyard. With the family legacy of giving established and the growth ahead, Learner & Rowe will most certainly positively impact its most vulnerable neighbors.
Tyler Butler is a chief social impact officer for a publicly traded corporate portfolio where she leads programs that positively impact humanity. She is also the founder of 11Eleven Consulting, and she is often cited as a subject matter expert by Forbes, SHRM, Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report and more.
Photo courtesy of Lerner & Rowe
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