The commercial real estate sector doesn’t just develop projects or create economic impact. It also supports organizations and individuals in need through volunteering, holding special events and donations. Below, see how the industry gives back to the community to build a stronger, more resilient region. All photos were provided to AZ Big Media, which publishes AZRE magazine. 

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Cannon & Wendt Electric

One of the largest electrical subcontractors in the Valley, Cannon & Wendt partners with countless local charitable organizations, including the 100 Club of Arizona, St. Vincent de Paul, the Arizona Humane Society, Phoenix Children’s Big Dig for Kids, Ace Mentorship Program and more. One of the company’s largest contributions takes place in January every year when it hosts its Supporting Our Heroes Park Day, with all earnings going directly to the 100 Club of Arizona. This family event includes bounce houses, face painting, K-9 demonstrations, raffles and a check presentation to benefit the 100 Club of Arizona. Last year Cannon & Wendt raised $63,672 alone and had a grand total of over $113,000 thanks to Wallcon’s contributions. 

Estrella and Harvard Investments 

In 2024, Estrella and Harvard Investments participated in the West Valley Heart Walk and raised $20,525 for heart disease research, making Estrella one of the top contributors out of 70 participating companies, with Harvard Investments President Tim Brislin personally raising $7,304 for the cause. The firm also volunteered for Valley Partnership’s Community Project benefitting the Sojourner Center, one of the nation’s largest shelters for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Looking forward, Estrella will host the inaugural American Heart Association CycleNation Arizona event on Saturday, May 9, 2026. 

Ganem Construction 

The company is entering its third year of partnership with Amanda’s Hope, a nonprofit that assists children battling cancer and their families through programs including Comfycozy’s for Chemo, financial aid and emotional support. Every holiday season, Ganem Construction organizes a large Christmas giving drive, collecting toys, gifts and funds to spread joy. Ganem also supports the Saguaros and the EC70 group, along with local cancer-related organizations. Additionally, the company works with Child Crisis Arizona to provide much-needed resources to vulnerable children and families. 

Land Advisors Organization

This April, Max Xander, an advisor with LAO, held his fourth annual Triple Crown event, where he and a friend participate in multiple outdoor activities such as mountain biking in Sedona, skiing at Snowbowl, golfing nine holes at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, shooting at Ben Avery Shooting Range and wake surfing at Lake Pleasant. Created by Xander, the Triple Crown benefits the Arizona Humane Society, an organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals. The team’s fundraising goal was $10,000, and they invited anyone interested to contribute via their GoFundMe page. 

“Now we include more activities and support an impactful Arizona charity, thanks to donations from our family, friends and colleagues,” Xander explains. “It has been a rewarding way to celebrate life in Arizona, share a message that each day matters and support an incredible charity.”

Layton Construction

“Commercial real estate is such a competitive industry, and with so much focus on the bottom line, it’s refreshing to see how folks give back to the community,” said Andrew Geier, executive vice president of Layton Construction. “At Layton, we have a company-wide philanthropic effort that embraces the 5 For the Fight movement to help eradicate cancer. Our local beneficiary is Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where we’ve raised over $1 million through our annual golf tournament. It’s one of my favorite things about working at Layton.”

LGE Design Build and Creation Equity

The David R. Sellers Foundation is the nonprofit branch of LGE Design Build and Creation Equity, having contributed more than $850,000 to nonprofit organizations across Arizona and Texas. The foundation mainly supports causes that give access to education for underprivileged children, fund medical research and treatment programs, and invest in community development. It also supports local nonprofits serving those in need such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Ryan House, Junior Achievement of Arizona, Maggie’s Place and the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, along with food and shelter programs, and holiday and back-to-school drives through organizations such as St. Mary’s Food Bank, Hope Kids and Toys for Tots.

MC Companies

Sharing the Good Life Foundation is MC Companies’ philanthropy arm. This foundation focuses on fighting hunger, supporting families and strengthening neighborhoods. On September 10, 2025, employees from Arizona, Nevada and Texas participated in its 4th annual Volunteer Day, dedicated to fighting hunger and helping local food banks. This year’s efforts provided tens of thousands of meals to families, seniors and children in need. 

“It’s incredible to see our teams come together, not only to serve locally but to make a collective national impact,” says MC Companies’ Chief Operating Officer, Brian Kearney. “Every box packed and meal prepared represents a family that will have one less worry.”

Phoenix Design One

Throughout the year, PDO chooses one major cause each season to assist, making a tangible impact on the community all year long. 

In 2025, this included participating in the American Cancer Society’s Climb to End Cancer at South Mountain, packing food for St. Mary’s Food Bank, providing water through Operation Hydration and the Halloween Doggie Brunch where the team dresses up their dogs and donates an amount matching their brunch bill to the AZ Humane Society.

Suntec Concrete

Through the company’s Heroes in Hard Hats initiative, employees have the opportunity to give back to the community. One of the program’s largest undertakings is Teacher Appreciation Week, which has distributed more than $250,000 of supplies over the last 16 years. Other include and joining collaborative industry events like Canstruction, which benefits St. Mary’s Food Bank, and assisting the bed building campaign for Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Valley Partnership

Valley Partnership has been giving back to a community project for more than 37 years, and has chosen ACCEL — which provides educational, behavioral, therapeutic and vocational programs to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities — as its 2025 Community Project.

“The support of Valley Partnership will allow us to make critical facility improvements to better serve our students and adult learners. This project will help us provide educational and therapeutic support for our students and create a welcoming environment that is safe for everyone regardless of their disability,” says Jessie Bustamante, chief advancement officer of ACCEL.