Giving Tuesday
As the #1 mortgage lender in the nation, UWM can attest that mortgage brokers are better —their value to the areas across the country that they serve goes well beyond helping people buy homes. On this Giving Tuesday, we honor the commitment so many of our broker partners regularly demonstrate in the communities they serve by sharing these inspiring stories about 10 of our partners who are living examples of giving back.
Helping homeless veterans pursue the life they’ve earned
Lorraine Wright – Advance Mortgage Services, Washington, D.C.
A labor of love for Lorraine and her daughter, Dionne, Sheck’s House is a 501©3 non-profit that offers a helping hand for homeless servicemen from all branches of the U.S. military. A dream of her grandfather’s, Corporal Sheck L. Wright, Korean War vet, the organization provides 12-month temporary housing, employment, suicide prevention, financial literacy, livelihood training and transportation to and from all VA appointments. “Our aim is to reach the community and all over the world to strengthen and establish lifelong relationships for our veterans to continue to service and represent our country while we help them obtain permanent housing.”
Responding to the call
Nate Davis – Florida Mortgage Firm, Plant City, FL
Taking time off September 2017 to help people in Plant City, FL who were impacted by Hurricane IRMA and, more recently, helping people in Florida affected by Hurricane Ian. That’s precisely why Nate was dubbed One of the Kindest People in America by People Magazine. From handing out hot meals to residents to joining first responders dig out from both storms, Nate shows a relentless spirit that serves him in both business and life.
Making Greater Phoenix even greater
Andy Price – Price Mortgage, Gilbert, AZ
Andy and Price Mortgage sponsor the Fiesta Bowl Parade and the Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teachers event, which grants 400 teachers across Arizona $2,500 to fulfill classroom wishes. They also participate in the Phoenix Heart Walk to raise money for the American Heart Association and have joined the fight against breast cancer by sponsoring the annual Save Second Base Pub Crawl in downtown Chandler — a local event that has been growing for years.
For the love of dogs and kids
Tiburon Erickson – South Towne Mortgage, Sandy, UT
Tiburon’s son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was four and she began nearly two decades of volunteerism. She is on the Board of Directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and has personally raised over $100,000 for Type 1 diabetes research — she was voted Volunteer of the Year for 2016 and has participated as a cycling coach in almost 20 JDRF Ride to Cure 100-mile biking events. Tiburon and South Towne Mortgage also hold an annual Pet Food and Supply Drive for CAWS (Community Animal Welfare Society) and participate in their Strut Your Mutt event.
Giving her all for the Hispanic community through Team Union Latina
Jessica Mayorga – HomeFree Mortgage, Virginia Beach, VA
Led by Jessica’s relentless efforts, Team Union Latina, along with HomeFree Mortgage, does community outreach throughout the year. They hold seminars to educate the Hispanic community about homeownership and events that involve real estate agents, tax preparers and others on how to best serve their Spanish-speaking clients. And that’s in addition to empowering Latinas through events and offering back-to-school donations for their community.
Bringing joy to the holidays
Alexander Ryan-Bailey – NEXA Mortgage, Minneapolis, MN
Alexander is the founder of Christmas 4 Chemo Patients. Every Christmas Eve and Christmas Day he spends time at a cancer center handing out gift cards and more. His inspiration? His mom, Cheri, who passed away in 2017, was diagnosed with breast cancer and she often had to attend chemotherapy treatments alone. There were many others that who were alone, too. So, he started the tradition of handing out presents to cancer patients, along with the gifts of time and joy for the holiday. Alexander continues to honor his mother’s memory by giving back and growing this non-profit organization.
Taking on a unique challenge
Michele Milota – Answer Home Loans, Granite Bay, CA
Michele is the Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit organization XP Family Support Group. Eighteen years ago, Michele’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), a rare skin disorder that causes a person to be extremely sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. The support group strives to create awareness about XP and raises funds to promote collaborative research and provide UV protective equipment for those who can’t afford it.
Giving back after every loan
Tim Wolsborn – Good Deeds Mortgage, Pullman, WA
Tim founded Good Deeds Mortgage on the basis that half of its revenue would be given to charity, and he continues to proudly honor that commitment today. Since 2015, they’ve donated $2,000 on every funded loan, with borrowers designating a charity of their choice to send $500 of the donation to.
Support for all ages
Ronny Nunez – Exact Rate Mortgage, Palm Beach County, FL
In addition to sponsoring both of his kids’ soccer teams, Ronny sits on the board of Families First of Palm Beach County, an organization that assists people throughout the community. Programs offered include support for pregnant women in need of prenatal care, children under 5 years old who have experienced trauma, grandparents who have sole custody of their grandchildren and housing assistance for the homeless.
Scoring big in the community with athletics
Kelvin Oliver – KORE Mortgage, Richmond, VA
Along with being a high school and collegiate basketball official that reflects his life-long passion for hoops, Kelvin supports a variety of programs and camps throughout the Richmond community. KORE Mortgage assists the underserved by connecting them with former and current sports personalities who instill confidence and offer guidance toward a brighter future. KORE Mortgage also sponsors a women’s sports talk show (Women Speaking Sports RVA) that airs weekly on ESPN Richmond radio, giving a take on sports from a female perspective.
These stories represent only a handful of examples of the huge impact that independent mortgage brokers have on a daily basis in their communities across the country. UWM is prouder than ever to support our partners, both in business and to help empower their efforts in the community.