Quicken Loans CEO Bill Emerson and Community Relations Director Wendy Kemp at the ALS Assocation's Award Reception.

On Tuesday, Feb. 2, Quicken Loans’ CEO Bill Emerson accepted the Iron Horse Award from the ALS Association’s Michigan Chapter at the 25th Anniversary Research Update and Chapter Recognition Reception held at the Southfield Public Library.  The award was presented to Emerson for his efforts as the 2009 Corporate Chairman for the Walk to Defeat ALS in Detroit.  He is serving in the same role for the 2010 Walk which will be held on the Detroit River Walk in September.

Emerson challenged all Quicken Loans team members and its sister companies to raise $75,000 for the disease that affected both his brother-in-law and a close friend. Through team member contributions, internal auctions for unique prizes and creative team competitions, the goal was surpassed. Quicken Loans team members raised more than $120,000 to support the ALS Association’s signature fundraising event.

In addition to the Iron Horse Award, Quicken Loans and Fathead were honored as the top Corporate Team.   Two team members from the Quicken Loans family of companies were among nine individuals recognized for their outstanding fundraising efforts.  The award, a foot-shaped glass rendering, was presented to Brenda Patton of Quicken Loans and Ross Sanders of Bizdom U.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them. Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes, someone dies as a result of the disease.

The ALS fundraising event was coordinated through Quicken Loans’ Community DIFF (community relations) team. In 2009, Quicken Loans donated nearly $1 million to more than 100 local charities.