Photo via Fast Company
MG2, an Atlanta-based affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, has built one of the region's most enduring charitable initiatives through Swing for the Cure, a golf tournament that has evolved into a comprehensive fundraising movement benefiting the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. What began as a personal mission nearly 25 years ago has grown into a community-wide effort that transcends typical corporate philanthropy, raising more than $2 million to date.
The initiative's staying power stems from its authentic emotional foundation. Former CEO Jerry Lee created the event following the loss of his first wife, Patricia, to breast cancer. His current wife, Charlene, a breast cancer survivor for over 25 years, continues to fuel the mission alongside current CEO Mitch Smith. This deeply personal origin story resonates throughout Atlanta's business community, attracting clients, partners, and colleagues who come together as individuals rather than representatives of their organizations.
According to Smith, the firm's approach mirrors its core business philosophy: meaningful engagement requires consistent showing up, clear focus, and collaborative thinking. The 2025 event raised a record $250,000, which the organization directed toward a specific radiation oncology trial aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes. This targeted giving model—enabled by close relationships with Fred Hutch—allows Atlanta-area businesses to see precisely how their contributions advance medical breakthroughs.
For Atlanta business leaders seeking to deepen corporate community involvement, MG2's model offers a blueprint: align employees and stakeholders around a purpose larger than profit, maintain long-term commitment despite market changes, and create conditions where personal connection drives professional action. The firm demonstrates that sustainable impact emerges when organizations show up consistently with intention and invite their entire ecosystem to participate in something meaningful.
