WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark its 15th anniversary, the Freddie Mac Foundation held a community dialogue and reception to honor its grantees, whose work have made a profound difference in the lives of this region's children. As part of the celebration, grantees attending the event were each surprised with a $1,000 contribution to further their work in the community.
"As we celebrate our 15 years, we are proud of the nearly two million children and their families whose lives we have touched. However, our investments are only as good as the organizations we invest in. That's why we have focused our anniversary celebration on honoring the real heroes: our region's outstanding nonprofits. Their work and dedication have ensured that significantly more children face brighter futures," said Ralph F. Boyd, Jr., executive vice president, Freddie Mac and chairman, Freddie Mac Foundation.
Grantees were informed about the nearly $150,000 donation during the community dialogue, which was held in their honor at the Ronald Reagan Building in DC. The dialogue was a moderated discussion with educator and activist Dr. Johnnetta Cole, president, Bennett College, and Dr. Randal Pinkett, president and CEO, BCT Partners and winner of NBC's The Apprentice. Grantees listened and participated in this generational discussion with these two experts about how to best prepare children and youth for the future. Prior to the dialogue, the Foundation also arranged for Dr. Cole and Dr. Pinkett to meet with youth in the region where they shared their insights about success.
Over the past 15 years, the Foundation has invested more than $200 million, bettering the lives of more than 1.7 million children. Along with Freddie Mac, the Foundation is the largest corporate philanthropist in the region. Since 1991, the Foundation's work has helped prevent child abuse and neglect; find permanent, loving homes for foster children; transform an inner- city school into a full-service community school; and support children and their families become independent by investing in programs that leverage both support services and housing.
"To mark this special occasion, we decided to do what we do best...fund nonprofits who help make a difference for children. This gift to our community is a token of our appreciation and continues our Foundation's tradition of investing in the people in this community," said Maxine B. Baker, president and CEO, Freddie Mac Foundation.
The Foundation began in 1991, giving 13 grants totaling $300,000. This year, the Foundation plans to give more than 200 grants totaling $24 million. Unchanged since 1991 is the Foundation's commitment to serving at-risk children and their families. Examples of the Foundation's support include: Wednesday's Child -- the weekly televised adoption program airing on NBC4 that features foster children waiting to be adopted; Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington -- an organization dedicated to building confidence, character and life skills in area youth; Doorways for Women and Children -- an Arlington- based nonprofit that empowers women and families who are abused, homeless or at-risk to live safe, secure and self-sufficient lives; Bright Beginnings -- a high-quality childcare for homeless children throughout the city; and J.C. Nalle Community School -- an elementary school being transformed by Foundation funding into a neighborhood epicenter, offering a variety of services to children and families.
Freddie Mac Foundation
CONTACT: Shawn Flaherty of Freddie Mac, +1-703-903-4384
