Veterans United Home Loans Receives Philanthropist of the Year Award From Heart of Missouri United Way

March 15, 2012

Veterans United receives award from Missouri United way for their philanthropy..

The Heart of Missouri United Way named Veterans United Home Loans its inaugural Philanthropist of the Year during the nonprofit's annual Community Awards Breakfast this morning.

The new award seeks to recognize a person or organization who exemplifies the true spirit of philanthropy by giving of time, treasure and talents to benefit the United Way and all of mid-Missouri. The agency highlighted the commitment among Veterans United leadership and employees to enhancing lives and a unique company culture focused on giving back.

"The employees and leadership of Veterans United Home Loans have set the standard for creating a culture of philanthropy within their ranks," said Tim Rich, executive director of Heart of Missouri United Way. "Their commitment to our community makes me proud to stand as their partner in making a true community impact."

Guided by a set of core values, Veterans United continues to invest in the communities it serves. Employees log thousands of volunteer hours each year at nonprofit organizations and community support initiatives across the region. The company teamed with Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity in 2010 to pay for and build a home for an Iraq War veteran. More than 130 employees spent nearly 800 hours building on the volunteer build. Veterans United is in search of a new veteran home build recipient for 2012.

In just the last two years, Veterans United and its employees have donated more than $1.4 million to community organizations, military charities and individual veterans in need nationwide. The company's $300,000 pledge to Heart of Missouri United Way in 2011 was the largest single donation from a private company.

Veterans United Home Loans established its Veterans United Foundation in late 2011 to help expand and intensify the company's philanthropic efforts. Veterans United Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and provides individual donations to current and former military members in need. Veterans United Home Loans and its employees raised more than $1.29 million during the first weeklong fundraising campaign in November. More than 70 percent of the company's 700 employees pledged to donate at least 1 percent of their salary to the foundation.

"We're honored to receive this award from Heart of Missouri United Way, which shares our vision to improve lives and strengthen communities," said Nathan Long, chief executive officer of Veterans United Home Loans. "Enhancing lives is what we strive for daily. Beyond being supportive of our colleagues, compassionate toward our customers and loyal to our business, each one of us takes pride in our ability to give back."