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 Sharing Our
Prosperity: Making A Difference "We make
a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.
" Considering the frenetic pace of business and current market conditions, most of us probably are far more focused on the first part of that statement than with the latter part. Looking ahead to our annual holiday party THIS Thursday, December 5, I am reminded of the similarity between market conditions our industry experienced in 1993 and current market conditions. In 1993, as today, people were entering the industry in record numbers and most companies were operating at or above capacity. People with whom I associate within the industry today are frustrated by the lack of time to enjoy the prosperity that this refinance boom affords us. The same dynamic is true for us as an association: We either have an abundance of money and no time to enjoy it, or we find ourselves with plenty of time but a need to be more frugal with our dollars. Rarely are we at a balance between the two where we have both the money and the time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. At this time, and under current conditions, we have both the opportunity and the ability to make a substantial difference in the life of a Denver woman, Mickiejean Scott, who will be the beneficiary of proceeds generated at this year's holiday party. Ms. Scott suffers from multiple disabilities that will soon limit her to a wheelchair. She has applied to HERO Alliance, a nonprofit group that advocates for homeownership resources for persons with disabilities in Colorado, for assistance in converting her home to accommodate wheelchair access. The disbursement of the funds that are raised at this event fulfill the goal of the Community Outreach committee to make a dramatic, long lasting, and positive difference in Mickiejean's life. A History of Giving The Community Outreach committee has contributed tens of thousands of dollars to housing-related charities over the past ten years. Thanks to the efforts of this committee, we have made a significant difference in our community, and in a few instances, a permanent difference in the lives of Colorado families. Once again, 1993 comes to mind as CMLA members rallied to contribute over $35,000 to pay for the construction costs of one Habitat home occupied by the Lohr family. "Before Habitat," said Mr. Lohr, "we were living in a dump with no hope of getting out." The home CMLA helped build for the Lohrs made a lasting impact on the lives of this family of seven. Of the five children, the two older boys have completed trade school and are firmly settled into their careers. The younger boys are home-schooled and "doing things normal boys would do." Andy's outlook is positive and knows he has CMLA and Habitat to thank for making a difference for his family. The Lohr family attended the 1993 holiday party as guests and had the opportunity to meet CMLA members and friends who had given of their time to build the home as well as the funds necessary to purchase materials for the home. At that time, we gave the Lohrs a color television for their new home. As for the 2002 holiday party, I particularly want to thank Trina Phillips and Pat McCabe-Newell, co-chairs of the Community Outreach committee, for their leadership in coordinating this event; Mandy Wingfield, CMLA Administrative Director, for all her assistance in making the event possible, and all the members of the Outreach committee for their dedication of time and resources. I'm excited to participate in this event and I hope you'll join me in making it a success. I encourage you to spread the word and invite everyone in your office join us for this great time of camaraderie and working together to make an enduring difference in Mickiejean's life. Although it's difficult to expand our focus beyond loan production and getting loans closed, I appeal to all of you as members and friends of the association to not only register for this year's holiday party, but also to consider making a gift donation or providing a sponsorship. Whether or not you participate via a donation or a sponsorship, plan to attend the event THIS Thursday evening from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Metropolitan Club, 7800 East Orchard Road in Greenwood Village and be generous with your bids for the exciting gifts we will have available for auction. Understanding that our efforts at making a living are providing an abundance, let's make the time and invest the energy in improving a life -- by generously giving. If you have questions or wish to register, please contact Mandy at the CMLA office at 303-773-9565 or at admin@cmla.com
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