Outpouring of Gratitude from Those Helped by ALTA Good Deeds Foundation

As president of TitleSouth LLC in Alabama, Amye von Seebach knows 2020 proved to be a very successful year from a business standpoint for the title industry. However, the COVID-19 pandemic affected the homeless much differently.

“We were fortunate to be in an industry that did not suffer economically during the last year. I know the homeless population has had an extremely hard year,” she said.

Von Seebach became overjoyed when she learned that Be a Blessing Birmingham would receive a $5,000 grant from the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation.

“This is wonderful news. The Foundation chose an excellent and worthy cause to support,” said von Seebach, who nominated the organization for a grant. “I appreciate all ALTA does to help our communities.”

TitleSouth’s parent company, RealtySouth, provided a 50% match, so Be a Blessing, which provides support to the homeless in the greater Birmingham area, received a total of $9,000

“There is virtually no overhead with this organization,” von Seebach said. “Every dollar will be spent to benefit people who are in desperate need. I am thrilled they were chosen.”

Be a Blessing was one of 21 organizations that received grants totaling $125,000 that the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation awarded in March. The 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 an ALTA member, highlighting how the member is furthering Our Values through charitable efforts.

“I am incredibly proud of the efforts of our ALTA members who work to support these charities as well as those who donated so much to the Foundation,” said ALTA CEO Diane Tomb, Foundation Board member. “Title insurance professionals work daily to protect homebuyers and every community across the country, so it’s no surprise to see them lifting others in times of need. Good deeds are woven into the fabric of who they are. I am excited to see the growth of the Foundation in 2021.”

Upon learning her organization would receive one of the $6,000 grants, Erich Mische, executive director of Spare Key in St. Paul, Minn., immediately thanked Barbara Rodriguez, president of Network Title Inc.

Rodriguez nominated Spare Key, which assists families in crisis with critically ill or seriously injured family members.

“I always love receiving emails like this!” Mische said in response to Spare Key receiving a grant. “Barb’s leadership in your industry, as well as her philanthropic support, is outstanding. We are so pleased to work with her and her team at Network Title. Please share with those with the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation our gratitude, as well.”

Tammy Strickland wasn’t surprised that so many organizations that received a grant embraced homeownership and ending homelessness. The Foundation grant reached a little closer to home, however, as one of her cousins, Traci Strickland, serves as executive director of Kanawha Valley Collective in Charleston, W.Va. The network is dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.

“I wanted to express my gratitude to you for choosing Kanawha Valley Collective as one of the 2021 Good Deeds grant recipients,” said Strickland, who is vice president of digital Transformation for Fidelity National Financial. “Kanawha Valley Collective’s team works tirelessly to help individuals move from homeless to housed. The grant money will continue their mission and buy a few toasters.”

The donation to Burlington Recreation Center in Burlington, N.C., nearly moved Paula Bachmaier to tears. The money will help support recreational and educational activities and opportunities for the youth in her community.

“I could seriously cry,” said Bachmaier, senior vice president of North Dakota Guaranty & Title Co. “You have no idea. Thanks, from the bottom of my heart.”

For Caring Cupboard in Pasadena, Md., the grant will help the group serve its community and feed those in need.

“We recently partnered with the Red Cross to join their Disaster Response Team,” said Chuck Yocum, president of Caring Cupboard. “This grant will allow us to fully prepare to provide that assistance.”

Tess Brady Heribacka, a member account advisor for Attorneys Title Fund Services in Florida, thanked the Foundation for supporting Operation America Standing In Support (OASIS) and the military. OASIS provides moral support to those in the military with themed packages and card-writing campaigns.

“There are no words to express the jubilation and appreciation as a recipient of the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation grant.  Thank you for your support to our military and OASIS,” she said. “We cannot continue our mission of sending care packages to our troops serving on the global war on terror or provide ROTC scholarships without the support from organizations such as yours.  There are no words. It is both an honor and privilege to be selected as a grant recipient. Please know we are humbled and proud to be chosen for this commemorative award.”  

Brad Steele, executive director of The Literacy Center, also was grateful for the grant, saying the group appreciated support of their students with the life-changing investment in their program.

“We promise to steward this gift well and to use those monies to help our students make a difference in their families, workplaces and the community,” Steele said.

Glen Stout, state agency manager for North American Title Insurance Co., said it was “outstanding news” when he learned Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland received a grant.

“Ronald McDonald House does such amazing work by providing a home-away-from-home for sick children and their families,” Stout said. “The $6,000 grant will go a long way to funding this charity and supporting RMH’s mission to enhance the healthcare experiences through comfort and supportive services. I am so grateful to be a part of this industry and the American Land Title Association.”