Detroit-based Quicken Loans, the nation’s second largest mortgage lender, today announced the first phase of education and youth-focused charities receiving contributions thanks to the Quicken Loans Billion Dollar Bracket Challenge with Yahoo Sports. Charities for the second phase of donations have been determined and will be notified in the coming weeks.
“This contest isn’t just about basketball,” said Leslie Andrews, director of community relations. “Each organization we’re supporting provides opportunities for children to compete and excel in their education. Just as we see the athletes on court giving their all for a win, these charities are showing the same effort to ensure our children have a bright future.”
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan in downtown Detroit is one of 27 organizations receiving the first wave of donations as part of the Quicken Loans Billion Dollar Bracket Challenge with Yahoo Sports.
“With generous support from Quicken Loans and others in greater Detroit we work year-round to provide companies and organizations with effective ways to rally and motivate employees and to support the impact work of United Way,” said Angela Beckman, director of volunteer engagement, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Children are our region’s most important investment, and it is commendable that Quicken Loans has made youth education and development part of its contest.”
The Quicken Loans Billion Dollar Bracket Challenge with Yahoo Sports offered participants a chance at $1 billion for creating a perfect bracket in this this year’s men’s college basketball tournament. While no one brought home the billion-dollar grand prize, the owners of the 20 most accurate ‘imperfect’ brackets will win $100,000 to use toward buying, refinancing or remodeling a home.
