Lenders One member reaches new level in charitable giving: Mortgage Research Center raises more than $100,000 for local United WayMortgagePress.comLenders One Mortgage Cooperative, Mortgage Research Center, charitable giving, Heart of Missouri United Way
No matter what the headlines might say about the mortgage
industry, one member of Lenders One Mortgage Cooperative, a
national alliance of mortgage bankers, not only grew its business
in 2008 but also increased its charitable giving for the year.
Columbia, Mo.-based Mortgage Research Center (MRC), a company that
specializes in government-backed financing, raised $100,000 for its
local United Way. This is in addition to the company's annual
donations to a variety of military causes.
"MRC has always been a charitable company, with our primary
focus on supporting multiple military organizations," said Nate
Long, MRC's CEO. "This year, however, we wanted to concentrate on
our immediate community and see our money at work; partnering with
the Heart of Missouri United Way made perfect sense. Not once has
MRC set goals or standards for corporate giving, but when there is
a need, we see an opportunity to let our employees respond."
After just a few hours of announcing MRC's decision to help
Heart of Missouri United Way, employees already had pledged
approximately $30,000. The total donations for the year exceeded
$47,000, of which the company matched to reach $100,000.
"The success of this fundraising reflects the character of our
employees," Long continued. "We held no special events or projects
the money came straight from their donations. It is just a great
feeling when you have something to give to someone else who is in
need."
While VA lending is part of MRC's business, caring for military
families goes beyond just getting them in a home. In addition to
the company's United Way giving, other funds were donated to the
Paralyzed Veterans of America, an organization that works to
maximize the quality of life of those with spinal cord injury or
dysfunction, and to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, a
nonprofit devoted to end homelessness for those who have returned
from war.
MRC giving did not stop there for military related causes. The
company also rewards five $1,500 scholarships to college students
every semester. Students who serve in the military or are children
of those who have served are eligible to apply. The recipients are
selected based on their responses to a series of essay questions.
MRC had more than 1,200 applicants this past semester.
"With so much of the media focusing on the challenges and
failures of the mortgage industry, it is refreshing to hear a story
that is filled with success and selflessness," said Scott Stern,
CEO of Lenders One. "And this is just one out of many in the
industry. MRC is one of our newest members, and Lenders One is
eager to assist the company in growing its presence as FHA and VA
demand continues to grow."
For more information, visit www.lendersone.com or www.mortgageresearchcenter.com.
