Assurance Financial Raises More Than $58,000
for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at Annual Pickleball Tournament
Serve for St. Jude brings the Baton Rouge community together in support of childhood cancer research and lifesaving care
Baton Rouge, LA | November 10, 2026 | PRNewswire
Assurance Financial is celebrating another successful year of its annual Serve for St. Jude Pickleball Social, which raised more than $58,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Held October 10 at Court to Table in Baton Rouge, the event brought together employees, business partners, local businesses and community members for a day of friendly competition and fundraising in support of St. Jude’s lifesaving mission.
What began as a community fundraiser has grown into one of Assurance Financial’s signature charitable events, reflecting the company’s longstanding commitment to giving back. Each year, Serve for St. Jude brings the Baton Rouge community together around a shared goal: helping ensure children facing cancer and other life-threatening diseases have access to the care they need.
“Supporting St. Jude has been part of who we are at Assurance for nearly a decade, and seeing our community continue to rally behind this mission is incredibly meaningful,” said Kenny Hodges, CEO and Co-Founder of Assurance Financial. “The success of Serve for St. Jude represents so much more than the dollars raised. It’s a reflection of the generosity of our employees, partners and neighbors who recognize that we have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families.”
The family-friendly event welcomed participants and spectators of all ages, combining pickleball with activities and opportunities for the community to contribute to the cause. Local businesses, sponsors, volunteers and attendees played an important role in the event’s success, helping make Serve for St. Jude an anticipated annual tradition in Baton Rouge.
“One of the things that makes this event so special is watching our community come together with such enthusiasm for a cause that matters,” said Sandy Whitehead, Branch Manager of Assurance Financial’s Baton Rouge branch. “Our team, local businesses and community partners put so much heart into making this event successful. Raising more than $58,000 is an incredible accomplishment, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make it possible. It’s something our entire Baton Rouge team can be proud of.”
A Longstanding Commitment to St. Jude
Assurance Financial’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital began in 2018 with the launch of its Apps for Kids campaign. Since then, the company’s fundraising efforts have expanded to include employee giving, participation in the annual St. Jude Walk, support for St. Jude Dream Home Giveaways and community events such as Serve for St. Jude.
Together, these initiatives have helped Assurance Financial raise more than $800,000 for St. Jude since 2018, supporting the organization’s mission to advance research and treatment for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Each September, Assurance continues its Apps for Kids tradition in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, donating $50 to St. Jude for every completed mortgage application received during the month.
For Assurance Financial, the commitment is rooted in a shared belief that every child deserves a chance at a healthy future. Families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, allowing them to focus on what matters most: helping their child get well.
Expanding the Mission Through Assurance Cares
In August 2026, Assurance Financial launched Assurance Cares, a nonprofit organization established to bring the company’s charitable initiatives together under one mission and expand its impact in communities nationwide.
Created during Assurance Financial’s 25th anniversary year, Assurance Cares builds upon the company’s history of employee volunteerism, fundraising, charitable giving and community partnerships. Serve for St. Jude is one of the organization’s signature fundraising initiatives, alongside Apps for Kids and other community-driven programs across the country.
“Giving back has always been part of our culture at Assurance, and the creation of Assurance Cares allows us to take that commitment even further,” said Steve Ward, President of Assurance Financial and Assurance Cares. “When you see what our people and our communities can accomplish together through an event like Serve for St. Jude, it’s a reminder of why this work matters. We want to continue building on that momentum, creating more opportunities for our teams to give back, and making a lasting impact in the communities we serve.”
With another successful Serve for St. Jude event complete, Assurance Financial remains committed to growing its philanthropic efforts and strengthening its partnership with St. Jude in the years ahead.
To learn more about Assurance Financial’s partnership with St. Jude or to support its ongoing fundraising efforts, visit assurancemortgage.com/stjude.
About Assurance Financial
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Assurance Financial is a full-service residential mortgage lender serving homebuyers and homeowners across the country. With a commitment to personalized service, innovative lending solutions, and strong community relationships, Assurance Financial helps individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals while remaining dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. Learn more at assurancemortgage.com.
About Assurance Cares
Assurance Cares is the nonprofit philanthropic organization established by Assurance Financial in 2026 to expand its charitable impact nationwide. Through employee giving, volunteerism, fundraising events, and community partnerships, Assurance Cares supports organizations and initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families. Learn more at assurancemortgage.com/assurancecares/.
About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food, so they can focus on what matters most: helping their child get well.
Media Contact
Jessica Thames
Director of Marketing
Assurance Financial
[email protected]
859.539.5953