For Brandon Rafi, giving back didn’t begin after success. It began long before it.
Twenty-five years ago, while still in high school, Rafi — founder of Rafi Law Group — volunteered at St. Mary’s Food Bank for the first time. That early experience left a lasting impression, shaping his personal values, influencing his leadership philosophy, and ultimately helping inspire his long-term commitment to philanthropy and the creation of Rafi’s Hope, an initiative focused on serving Arizona’s most vulnerable populations, especially children and families.
That first volunteer experience occurred while Rafi attended Brophy College Preparatory, where community service is central to the student experience.
“Brophy had a strong volunteer culture, and I’m grateful for that,” Rafi said. “What I learned during those early experiences was invaluable. It reminded me to focus my attention on others and understand that growth isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s about becoming the best version of yourself with the support of teachers, parents and mentors who help guide you along the way.”
That lesson stayed with him long after graduation.
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A Milestone Rooted in Inspiration
On February 24, Rafi returned to St. Mary’s Food Bank to mark 25 years since his first volunteer experience there. He volunteered alongside 50 members of the Rafi team and made a $10,000 donation to the organization.
The event commemorated the moment that sparked a deeper awareness of community need and ultimately influenced a lifetime of giving, volunteerism and community impact.
It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need facing families across Arizona.
Where the Commitment Began
Rafi’s introduction to St. Mary’s Food Bank more than two decades ago offered something that left a deep and lasting impact: perspective.
“What stayed with me from the beginning was how real the impact was,” Rafi said. “You’re not just reading about a problem, you’re physically part of the solution. That experience changes you.”
While his professional path eventually led him into building successful business ventures, the values formed during those early volunteer experiences continued to shape his decisions. Over the years, he has supported individuals and nonprofit organizations addressing food insecurity, children’s health and family stability through philanthropy and hands-on involvement.
Growth Through Service
As Rafi’s business ventures expanded, so did his understanding of leadership. Success, he realized, brings influence—and with influence comes responsibility.
“Leadership isn’t just about financial results,” Rafi said. “It’s about stewardship. If you’re fortunate enough to build something meaningful, you have a responsibility to give back to the community that made it possible.”
Rather than distancing himself from service as his career grew, Rafi leaned further into it. Volunteering and philanthropy became a grounding force, reinforcing empathy, gratitude and accountability.
Over time, he began inviting employees to volunteer alongside him, transforming community service into a shared experience that strengthened company culture and reinforced the importance of collective impact.
From Inspiration to Rafi’s Hope
Years of volunteerism and philanthropic involvement ultimately led to the creation of Rafi’s Hope, a team member-led initiative focused on addressing critical gaps in community support, particularly for children and families experiencing food insecurity and crisis.
“Volunteering exposed me to needs that couldn’t be ignored,” Rafi said. “Rafi’s Hope was born from the idea that we could do more—not just occasionally, but intentionally and sustainably.”
Since its founding, Rafi’s Hope has partnered with local organizations to deliver food, essential supplies and support services across Arizona. The organization’s mission reflects Rafi’s belief that lasting solutions require collaboration, infrastructure and consistency.
That commitment was recently reinforced with the opening of the new Rafi’s Hope headquarters, a dedicated space that serves as a central hub for volunteer coordination, community outreach and resource distribution, providing the structure needed to expand services and support partner organizations more effectively.
The Power of Showing Up
From the perspective of St. Mary’s Food Bank, ongoing community engagement—whether through volunteers, donors or advocates—remains critical to meeting demand.
“Long-term volunteerism and consistent support allow us to serve our community effectively,” St. Mary’s Food Bank Director of Public Relations Jerry Brown said. “When individuals and organizations remain engaged over time, it creates stability and allows us to reach more families in need. Brandon’s decision to return 25 years after his first volunteer experience is a powerful reminder of how early exposure to service can shape a lifetime of community involvement.”
Inspiring Others to Lead with Purpose
While the February event marked a personal milestone, Rafi hopes its broader impact will resonate beyond a single afternoon.
“There’s a misconception that you have to choose between growing a business and giving back,” Rafi said. “In reality, the two reinforce each other.”
His message is simple: inspiration matters—and so does action.
“You never know which experience will shape your future,” he said. “For me, it started with volunteering. If you’re able to show up, even once, it can change the direction of your life.”
