Mortgage Bankers Association

05/16/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/16/2023 12:27

MBA Opens Doors Foundation Receives $100,000 from Lennar Mortgage’s Annual Derby Fundraising Campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 16, 2023) - The MBA Opens Doors Foundation (Opens Doors) today announced that it has received $100,000 from Lennar Mortgage's 10th Annual Derby. This gift will allow Opens Doors to deliver further on its mission of providing mortgage and rental assistance to families with critically ill or injured children, allowing parents and guardians to be by a child's side during treatment without fear of losing their home.

Since 2019, the Lennar Mortgage Annual Derby has raised more than $300,000 for Opens Doors from 2,400 individual donations nationwide from Lennar Mortgage associates. Year over year, Laura Escobar, President of Lennar Mortgage, and MBA's 2023 Vice Chair and her team have bested their fundraising goals during the month-long Derby campaign, raising from just under $12,000 in 2019 to a whopping $100,000 this year.

"Laura and the entire Lennar Mortgage organization should be commended for their generosity," said Debra W. Still, CMB, Vice Chairman of Pulte Financial Services and MBA Opens Doors Foundation Chair of the Board. "Lennar Mortgage has always been an outstanding Opens Doors champion, leading the way in challenging times to raise critical funds for Opens Doors. As we approach 15,000 families helped through our Home Grant Program, we have organizations like Lennar Mortgage and the real estate finance industry to thank. Their commitment and support for families with critically ill or injured children is inspiring."

"Every spring our team comes together to raise funds to support Opens Doors and the thousands of families with sick kids who need housing assistance. Not only do hundreds of Lennar Mortgage associates and advocates participate in our annual Derby, but they consistently set the pace for others in the industry to follow suit," said Escobar. "For some on the team, it's an opportunity to give back to an amazing cause. For others, this is deeply personal and reminds them of times when they too cared for a very sick child. But for all of us, the Derby gives us a sense of pride and gratitude. And what better way than to have fun doing it."

The MBA Opens Doors Foundation, through its Home Grant Program, provides relief in a time of personal crisis. The Home Grant Program has become a critical part of a family's support structure, especially when a parent or guardian must take unpaid leave to be with a child. Grants of up to $2,500 are made monthly to families in need of mortgage or rental payment assistance. The Foundation has provided more than $20 million in mortgage and rental payment assistance through nearly 14,500 grants to families since its inception in 2011.

For more information on Opens Doors' mission, please click here.