MBA Opens Doors Foundation Announces 2023 Award Winners

PHILADELPHIA (October 17, 2023) – The MBA Opens Doors Foundation (Opens Doors) today announced the recipients of its annual awards, which recognize those who have made lasting contributions to advance the Foundation's mission of providing mortgage and rental assistance to families with critically ill or injured children.

The Foundation presented the awards during MBA's 2023 Annual Convention and Expo. The 2023 Opens Doors Foundation award winners are:

“Each year, we recognize individuals and organizations that selflessly donate their time and resources. Their actions truly embody the mission of Opens Doors,” said Debra W. Still, CMB, Vice Chairman of Pulte Financial Services and Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors. "This year’s award winners have gone above and beyond to help the Foundation’s families, and I am thrilled to see their efforts and good work recognized.”

The Community Champion Award, created in 2013, recognizes an individual, group or company that has dedicated significant time and effort to advance the Foundation’s mission. Stanley C. Middleman was chosen for his outstanding demonstration of leadership and unwavering support to the Foundation.

Since 2019, Freedom Mortgage has committed $100,000 per year to support an alliance with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In 2023, Freedom extended its annual commitment by six additional years and will now commit to providing $1 million over 10 years.

In addition to Middleman’s leadership and stewardship of Freedom Mortgage’s gift to Opens Doors, his wife Roslyn and the Middleman family provided the philanthropic backing to open The Middleman Family Pavilion at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, King of Prussia. The 250,000 square foot facility is dedicated solely to the care of children. With his enthusiastic support for the Foundation’s mission, Middleman has demonstrated his commitment to helping families with critically ill or injured children in need of housing assistance.

The Founder’s Award recognizes one or more individuals who have demonstrated sustained action and whose personal commitment to the Foundation exemplifies the core values, spirit, and essence on which it was founded.

For his leadership, generosity, and deep sense of community, Opens Doors honors James Deitch. As the co-founder and CEO of Teraverde Financial, Deitch has spearheaded the company’s $250,000-plus support and engagement with Opens Doors. Deitch and his wife Judy’s efforts are expanding the Foundation’s awareness and reach within the real estate finance industry.

As a connoisseur of wines, Deitch also pioneered the success of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation Charity Wine Auction, which since its launch in 2019 by Chris George, 2019 MBA Chairman, has raised more than $350,000 for Opens Doors.

Deitch also produced the Opens Doors theme song, “Call it Home,” and has personally donated more than $265,000 to the Foundation. For his leadership, generosity, and deep sense of community, we honor James Deitch.

The Spirit Award recognizes a group of individuals, from one or more organizations, whose enthusiasm and support for Opens Doors have brought new people and organizations to the Opens Doors roster of supporters and whose efforts amplified the impact the Foundation has on vulnerable families in America.

For their spirit and ongoing support, Opens Doors honors the CCMS Philanthropic Committee. The CCMS Philanthropic Committee, led by Marcy Thomas, Grandbridge Real Estate Capital LLC; Elizabeth Burnett, Slatt Capital; and Richard Pardoe of M&T Realty Capital Corporation are infusing the mission to give back to families and communities into the CCMS (Commercial Certified Mortgage Servicer designation) community.

“This year’s award recipients have demonstrated their commitment to Opens Doors in creative and thoughtful ways,” said Deborah E. Dubois, President of MBA Opens Doors Foundation. “It is an honor to work alongside them to make life a little easier for families caring for a sick child.”

The 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 $2,000 are made monthly to families in need of mortgage or rental payment assistance.

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