NEW
YORK, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Building
Homes for Heroes (BHFH) announced a special mortgage payoff today
for an Iraq War veteran with advanced cancer, an inspiring moment
at its 11th annual gala at the New York Stock Exchange that also
recognized PulteGroup for supporting the national nonprofit.
Andy Pujol, founder and CEO of
Building Homes for Heroes, said the organization will pay the
remaining mortgage for Mike
Broderick, who retired as an Army captain after nearly two
decades of service. Broderick, a firefighter for the past 16 years
with the Des Moines Fire
Department, has Stage 4 liver cancer resulting from exposure to
toxins overseas, and has limited time remaining.
"We are deeply moved to provide this gesture of support to Mike,
his wife, Emily, and their four daughters. It is our hope this
brings them peace during a challenging time," Pujol said. "This
action encapsulates the essence of our mission, and we are grateful
for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our
heroes."
The gala, held for the first time at the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE), also honored PulteGroup President and CEO Ryan Marshall, celebrating the partnership
between BHFH and one of the country's largest home builders.
Under Marshall's leadership, and through PulteGroup's Built to
Honor® program, the two organizations have collaborated in
providing 14 homes to injured veterans and their families since
2019, with plans for an additional six homes in 2024.
"Our work with this remarkable organization has been a source of
pride for us at PulteGroup. We're dedicated to making a difference
in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country,
and this partnership is a testament to that commitment. Together,
we aim to build more than just houses. We aim to build hope and
support for our heroes," Marshall said.
The gala capped a milestone year for BHFH, which commemorated
its 343rd home to a Purple Heart Army veteran and son of a FDNY
firefighter. The event, on Sept. 9 in
East Haven, Connecticut, was in
tribute to the 343 firefighters who died in the 9/11 attacks.
Now, BHFH is on track to gift its 400th home with support from
some of its largest corporate donors including Lowe's, Advance Auto
Parts and JPMorgan Chase.
The gala's keynote speaker was retired Army Staff Sgt.
Jerry Majetich, a Bronze Star and
Purple Heart recipient who suffered severe injuries in an IED
explosion in Iraq. In 2022,
Majetich received a mortgage-free home from BHFH and Pulte Group in
Jacksonville, Florida.
Also attending: retired Marine Sgt. Kirstie Ennis, BHFH's lead ambassador, 2019
recipient of the Pat Tillman Service
Award and a renowned mountaineer who has conquered six of the
world's seven summits. Another guest, retired Army Sgt.
Keysia Calmese, will receive a
mortgage-free home from BHFH and PulteGroup on Nov. 10 in Richmond
Hill, Georgia.
In July, the NYSE hosted Pujol, BHFH President Kim Vesey and other organization leaders, to
ring the closing bell in advance of its 343rd home-gifting
ceremony.
Building Homes for Heroes
Building Homes for Heroes
builds and gifts mortgage-free homes, and completes home
modifications, for veterans, emergency first responders and their
families, and provides further services along their road to
recovery to help them live a promising and fulfilling life. The
organization reached a 95.5% program rating in 2021, the 12th
straight year earning a program rating of at least 93%. It also
received a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for seven
straight years, including a 100% in transparency and
accountability. Learn more at buildinghomesforheroes.org.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based
in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of
America's largest homebuilding companies with operations in more
than 40 markets throughout the country. Through its brand
portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods and
American West, the company is one of the industry's most versatile
homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and
respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive
research to provide homebuyers with innovative solutions and
consumer inspired homes and communities to make lives better. For
more information on PulteGroup Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to
pultegroup.com; pulte.com; centex.com; delwebb.com; divosta.com;
jwhomes.com; and americanwesthomes.com. Follow PulteGroup Inc. on
Twitter: @PulteGroupNews.
Media contacts
David
Weingrad
David.Weingrad@buildinghomesforheroes.org
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SOURCE Building Homes for Heroes