By Wendy Kemp 

Our Quicken Loans office in Scottsdale, Arizona was recognized with other top fundraisers on center court at a recent Phoenix Suns game. This recognition was to honor the fantastic fundraising efforts that totaled close to $11,000 for the Walk to Defeat ALS that happened this past October. As a part of our commitment to defeat ALS, Quicken Loans has already agreed to be a $10,000 sponsor of the 2010 Walk to Defeat ALS in Arizona.

  

Matt Stoffer was also recently recognized when he was presented a plaque from Jean Underwood, Executive Director for the Lymphoma Research Foundation of Arizona. Matt’s recognition was for the work that he and his team, the ICON Nation, did to raise over $10,000 for the Lymphoma Walk that took place last November.

Congratulations to the ICON Nation team, and to the entire Quicken Loans Scottsdale office for all they do to be the DIFF in their Community.

Quicken Loans Team Members found a perfect way to cure the Michigan winter blues! They brought their family members and their sunny dispositions to Gleaners Food Bank in Taylor, to spend a few hours giving back to their community. The afternoon was spent sorting and packaging food that will go to hungry people in southeastern Michigan. Gleaners Community Food Bank’s mission is to turn surplus food, which otherwise would go to waste, into millions of nutritious meals. More than 28 million pounds of food are distributed annually, equivalent to over 404,000 meals per month. Quicken Loans is a proud supporter of Gleaners, and is looking forward to returning with an eager group of volunteers in March.

Quicken Loans and its family of companies has been a proud supporter of Friendship Circle for many years. Friendship Circle of Michigan, a non-profit that serves thousands of children with special needs, has been chosen as a finalist in the Chase Community Giving Challenge. Starting January 15th through the 22nd, they need YOUR vote for a chance at the $1 million grand prize. Do not miss this opportunity to lend your hand to a worthy cause. There is no request for money and it only takes 29 seconds to vote. Take this chance to speak up with your vote and tell the world how important the advocacy of children with special needs is. Go to www.VoteFC.com and VOTE. Then pass this message along to your contacts to keep the momentum going!
		Share VoteFC			Tweet VoteFC			Become an ambassador

Quicken Loans and its family of companies is supporting disaster relief efforts for the people of Haiti devastated by the recent earthquake. Following the news of the disaster, concerned Team Members immediately began asking how they could contribute to the cause. We are working with two of our valued partners to help with the effort, Samaritan Feet and the American Red Cross. With the help of a corporate donation, Samaritan Feet will be shipping up to 10,000 pairs of new shoes to provide relief to the children. Funds raised by team members through a payroll deduct campaign, jeans days, other fundraisers will be matched by Quicken Loans to support the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief efforts for Haiti. Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected by this devastation.

To find out how you can help with disaster relief efforts, click on the following link which will take you to the American Red Cross page.

Quicken Loans and its family of companies made a difference in their communities by raising nearly $1 million in 2009 for charities and those in need in Mich., Ohio, Ariz. and Calif. where the company has web lending centers. In addition, team members spent nearly 1,500 hours volunteering at events coordinated by the Quicken Loans Community Relations team.

"At Quicken Loans, we believe in supporting our local communities. We do this by making donations and through volunteerism," said Wendy Kemp, Director of Community Relations. "It's part of our culture to lend a hand where one or several are needed. It's just the right thing to do."

Team members volunteered throughout the year at weekly events organized by the community relations team, including the preparation of food at soup kitchens, unloading semi trailers to deliver food and everyday supplies to the needy, helping students learn the basics of finance and banking and delivering 500 winter coats to children in Detroit.

Creative team member fundraisers included events such as a chili cook-off, valet parking for team members, an online auction and the use of social media (Twitter) to raise money and awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In October, Quicken Loans and its family of companies raised more than $120,000 for the ALS Association's Walk to Defeat ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) in Mich., Ohio and Ariz. Quicken Loans Chief Executive Officer Bill Emerson served as Corporate Chair for the Detroit Walk and is looking forward to continuing his role in 2010.

"We have always said the key to our success is our culture and our people, and both of those are evident in the amount of time, attention and compassion our team members have shown over the past year to helping those in need," said Emerson. "We are committed to continuing this spirit of giving in 2010 and beyond, as we work to make a difference in the communities where we live, work and play."