MAKING A DIFFERENCE
FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, a 7-year-old girl who lives in Massachusetts has undergone a treatment plan for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of blood and bone cancer. Ellie is now in remission. She also has a new personalized bedroom, partially thanks to the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation (AGDF).
In March, the AGDF awarded a $6,000 grant to Room to Dream Foundation, which is dedicated to helping children with chronic illnesses. Using the grant money, the Room to Dream Foundation built the personalized bedroom. The remodel features two ways for Ellie to get into her bed—either by ladder or a rock wall. The Room to Dream Foundation looks to create healing environments in bedrooms for children facing chronic illnesses.
“It’s stories like this that warm your heart and show that the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation’s mission of building and strengthening local communities is making a difference,” said Diane Tomb, ALTA’s CEO. “We could not make an impact if not for the support from title and settlement professionals across the country.”
The ALTA Good Deeds Foundation provides charitable grants to 501(c)(3) organizations supported by ALTA members. Grants are awarded to local organizations through a competitive application process completed by a title insurance professional, highlighting how the individual is furthering Our Values through charitable efforts. Donations from companies and individuals have pushed total giving to the AGDF to nearly $1 million since it was created in 2020. So far, $428,000 has been given to 70 organizations.
Michigan-based Liberty Title has been one of the largest corporate donors to the foundation, giving $45,000 over the past three years. Tom Richardson, CEO of Liberty Title, said the industry has prospered by helping consumers realize the American Dream of homeownership.
“The AGDF is a wonderful thank you to consumers by helping expand the number of people who can become homeowners,” he said.
“Real estate gives people the ability to build wealth by creating an asset they can leverage to start their own business, send their children to college and feel secure in their retirement.
Richardson said his company received significant support from Mary O’Donnell, CEO of Westcor Land Title Insurance Co., when Liberty Title expanded into Florida. O’Donnell was a driving force in the foundation’s creation and serves as chair of its board.
“We wanted to show our appreciation by helping the AGDF get off to a good start,” Richardson said.
California-based D. Bello is another company that has given generously, donating $10,000 this year to the foundation. With more than 30 years in operation and 25 as an ALTA member, Jeff Bates, CEO of D. Bello, said the company would not have made it this long without the generosity and support of the industry.
“So, when the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation was launched, it only seemed right to find ways to give back through the industry that has given us so much,” Bates said. “We are excited to be able to partner with other philanthropically oriented organizations in the title industry to make a meaningful, positive impact in our local communities through people and non-profits doing amazing work.”
Working in an industry that is local and personal, with deep ties to communities, Bates hopes his company’s donation will help AGDF continue to strengthen the relationships and impact that the title industry has with local communities across the country—beyond just the homebuying experience.
“Creating special relationships between colleagues, clients, partners and peers is part of the DNA that makes this industry great,” he added. “At D. Bello, we are fortunate enough to work with companies where we get to help come alongside them to provide support, encouragement and momentum to client passion projects beyond just the work. It’s why I’ll often say I have more friends across the country than I do locally.”
“While I am passionate about my work, I’ve always believed that it will be an opportunity that helps fuel other initiatives and impacts beyond the four walls of the office. I want people to know how much they’re cared for and feel motivated in everything they do, professionally and personally. The AGDF is another unique way to help expand that impact of reaching people and leaving a legacy,” Bates continued.