#United States #St. Jude #Baton Rouge #Assurance Financial

Assurance Financial's Annual Pickleball Tournament

Assurance Financial recently hosted its annual Serve for St. Jude Pickleball Social, a vibrant event that united the Baton Rouge community, raising over $58,000 for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Held on October 10 at Court to Table, the tournament featured both competitive play and community involvement for a cause that's close to many hearts.

The event has evolved from a small gathering into one of Assurance Financial's hallmark charitable initiatives, showcasing the company’s deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy. Each year, Serve for St. Jude aims to mobilize local residents, employees, and business partners toward a shared mission: supporting children who are battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. As Kenny Hodges, CEO and Co-Founder of Assurance Financial, stated, "Supporting St. Jude has been part of who we are at Assurance for nearly a decade. Seeing our community continue to rally behind this mission is incredibly meaningful."

The Pickleball Social not only allows participants to engage in friendly competition but also offers a platform for local businesses and volunteers to contribute significantly to the cause. It fosters a family-friendly atmosphere where attendees of all ages can participate and support the ongoing fight against childhood cancer.

Sandy Whitehead, Branch Manager for Assurance Financial's Baton Rouge location, expressed her pride in the event. “The enthusiasm our community shows for a cause that matters is what makes this event truly special. The efforts of our employees and local business partners culminated in raising an incredible sum, and it's something our entire Baton Rouge team can be proud of,” she remarked.

A Proud Legacy

This charitable journey began in 2018 with the launch of Assurance Financial’s Apps for Kids campaign. Since then, various fundraising initiatives have led to remarkable contributions over the years, totalling more than $800,000 for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Their efforts include participation in annual St. Jude Walks and support for Dream Home Giveaways. In addition, every September, Assurance Financial engages in its Apps for Kids initiative to honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by donating funds for each completed mortgage application throughout the month.

One of the core principles guiding Assurance Financial is the understanding that every child deserves the opportunity for a healthy future. Families receiving care at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are not burdened with expenses, allowing them to focus entirely on their children’s recovery. This unwavering commitment not only resonates through financial contributions but also through volunteering and community engagement.

Assurance Cares – A Greater Impact

In August 2026, Assurance Financial took a significant step forward by launching Assurance Cares, a nonprofit organization aimed at amplifying the company's charitable initiatives while expanding its reach across the nation. Created in celebration of the company's 25th anniversary, Assurance Cares encompasses various programs including Serve for St. Jude and Apps for Kids, aiming to foster employee volunteerism and create meaningful relationships within communities.

Steve Ward, President of Assurance Financial and Assurance Cares, articulated the company’s vision, saying, "Giving back has always been part of our culture at Assurance. The creation of Assurance Cares allows us to take that commitment even further. Events like Serve for St. Jude serve as a constant reminder of the impact we can achieve together with our community."

As Assurance Financial concludes another successful edition of Serve for St. Jude, it remains steadfast in its commitment to philanthropic efforts and looks forward to growing its partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the future.

To find out more about how to help or to get involved in Assurance Financial's ongoing fundraising campaigns, interested parties can visit Assurance Financial's St. Jude page.

Conclusion

Assurance Financial demonstrates how a corporate entity can mobilize its resources, employees, and community to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in need. The success of the annual Pickleball tournament is not just measured in dollars but in the collective effort of a community coming together for an essential cause. With a bright future ahead, Assurance Financial sets a prime example of corporate social responsibility that others should aspire to.