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."