PHOENIX (May 8, 2026) – The MJ Companies, a leading financial services firm for more than 60 years, raised more than $110,000 for local nonprofits through its second annual Pickle for a Purpose fundraiser, held on behalf of the MJ Foundation at Paradise Valley Country Club last week.

The primary objective of the MJ Foundation is to make a positive impact on local communities. The funds raised will go toward supporting the Foundation’s 2026 grant cycle, awarding grants to local organizations that align with the four cornerstones of its mission: overcoming poverty, advancing education, fostering diversity, and embracing humanity.

The event brought together more than 100 industry partners, associates, and friends, with 40 participants taking part in recreational and competitive pickleball play as part of the fundraiser. Winners from each division were invited to select a nonprofit of their choice to receive additional funds. In honor of those selections, the Foundation will award $3,500 to Children’s Cancer Network and Phoenix Children’s Foundation. 

“It’s incredibly meaningful to see our partners and community unite behind such important causes,” said Michael H. Bill, CEO of The MJ Companies and Founder of the MJ Foundation. “Bringing people together to rally around organizations making a real difference is what this event is all about, and it truly reinforces just how much can be accomplished when people come together as an intentional, active force for good.”

The MJ Foundation will begin accepting applications in its fourth grant cycle this July, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting local communities where it operates. The grant application is invite-only and open to nonprofits where MJ associates volunteer their time. An essential pillar of the Foundation is its commitment to championing organizations and causes that hold a special place for those who contribute significantly to MJ.

Last year, the Foundation donated more than $300,000 and awarded grants to local nonprofits in the greater Indianapolis, Phoenix, Denver, and Nashville communities, including Indy Hygiene Hub (Indianapolis), Hope Women’s Center (Phoenix), Dress for Success Denver (Denver), and Team Chad (Nashville).

“The momentum behind this fundraiser continues to build, and it’s a testament to the commitment of our sponsors and supporters who believe in our mission. We’re honored by the generosity that made this event such a success—it enables us to further invest in the communities we serve,” said Britni Shrout, Chief Marketing Officer at The MJ Companies and Executive Director of the MJ Foundation.

Berkley, a specialized accident and health insurance provider, served as the event’s title sponsor. Additional sponsors included ICS, HealthJoy, Lincoln Financial, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BlueCross Blue Shield, CopperPoint Insurance, Arixa Capital, Nelligan, Pacific Life, Mutual of Omaha, Delta Dental of Arizona, Aetna, MetLife, Westfield, Strategic Comp, Surgical Benefit Management, Ameritas, Unum and LAVIDGE. 

Shrout added, “Our sponsors are essential to making this work possible and we are deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment. Their support plays a vital role in turning our mission into measurable impact.” 

ABOUT THE MJ COMPANIES  

Indianapolis-based The MJ Companies, one of the largest privately held agencies in America, exists to inspire the success, fulfillment, and wellbeing of each person it serves — associates and their families, business partners, clients, and the community. MJ’s client base includes local, regional, and national companies in more than 54 countries and in every U.S. state. With offices nationwide, MJ specializes in a diverse selection of client services including commercial and personal insurance, risk management, employee benefits, retirement, compensation, and total rewards consulting. Additional information may be found at www.themjcos.com.   

ABOUT THE MJ FOUNDATION  

As the nonprofit arm of The MJ Companies, the MJ Foundation aims to give back to the communities in which MJ associates live and work. From charitable donations and drives to hands-on experiences, the MJ Foundation supports local organizations in alignment with the four cornerstones of its mission: overcoming poverty, advancing education, fostering diversity, and embracing humanity.