DSNews delivers stories, ideas, links, companies, people, events, and videos impacting the mortgage default servicing industry.
Issue link: http://digital.dsnews.com/i/1523845
59 July 2024 F E A T U R E S T O R Y July 2024 ยป PHOTO CREDITS: SARAH HAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY AND PAULA KAY PHOTOGRAPHY lowed it to expand scholarship programs, improve educational resources, and provide comprehensive support to an in- creasing number of deserving teenagers. "Industry involvement is crucial to the success and impact of our events," Whittmore said. "The support from the mortgage and servicing industry provides the financial backbone needed to fund our programs and scholarships to teen cancer survivors. Participation at the Gala helps to raise awareness and garner widespread community support, which is essential for the sustainability and growth of TRCF. The industry's commit- ment to our mission ensures that we can continue to make a meaningful differ- ence in the lives of teens battling cancer, helping them to overcome educational barriers and achieve their dreams." The TRCF Annual Gala brought together experts and aspiring profession- als alike to not only honor awardees, but to have a good time. On top of cocktail hour and live music performed by Olivia Bennett and the Motion Band, the event offered a three-course dinner, keynote reception, a silent auction, and raffle. Among the crowd of mortgage and service industry experts were this year's scholarship awardees, some of whom re- counted their personal experiences with cancer and the impact TRCF has had on their life and personal education. So, what can be expected at next year's gala? "At next year's gala, we are most look- ing forward to witnessing the continued generosity and enthusiasm from our supporters within the mortgage industry and beyond," Whittmore said. "These events are not just fundraisers; they are a celebration of the resilience and determi- nation of our scholars. We are excited to share the inspiring stories of our scholars' journeys, showcase the tangible impact of our collective efforts, and build even stron- ger connections with our partners and donors. The gala is a testament to what we can achieve together, and we are eager to see the new heights we will reach in our mission to support more teens in need." According to Whittmore, TRCF sup- ported 200 teen cancer scholars nation- wide over the past year and anticipates increasing and supporting even more scholars for the upcoming academic school year. D E M E T R I A C . L E S T E R is a reporter for MortgagePoint with more than eight years of writing and editing experience. She has served as content coordinator and copy editor for the Los Angeles Daily News and the Orange County Register, in addition to 11 other Southern California publications. A former editor-in-chief at Northlake College and staff writer at her alma mater, the University of Texas at Arlington, she has covered events such as the Byron Nelson and Pac-12 Conferences, progressing into her freelance work with the Dallas Wings and D Magazine. Currently located in Dallas, Texas, Lester is a jazz aficionado, a Harry Potter fanatic, and likes to read. She can be reached at demetria.lester@thefivestar.com.