Bill Emerson of Quicken Loans to Serve as Corporate Chairman for Second Year

TROY, Mich., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chapter of the ALS Association today announced Bill Emerson, Chief Executive Officer of Quicken Loans, will serve as Corporate Chairman for its annual fundraising event, the Walk to Defeat ALS, scheduled for Saturday, September 25. This will be Emerson's second year chairing the event and, along with Quicken Loans team members, is dedicated to making the 2010 Walk a record-breaking fundraiser for the chapter.

In 2009, with the fundraising power of Emerson and Quicken Loans, Michigan walkers more than quadrupled the previous year's total by raising over $180,000.  The money raised helps to fund local patient services as well as research to find a cure.

Last year's Walk took place on Belle Isle, however this year it will have a new home – the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, where participants will enjoy walking three miles along the newly renovated RiverWalk.

"I am honored to serve as Corporate Chairman again this year and I'm personally challenging our team members at Quicken Loans and our family of companies to take our fundraising effort to the next level," Emerson said.  "Having lost a loved one to ALS, I understand the importance of finding a cure and this role allows me to advocate for education and research to help those still struggling with this debilitating disease."

On June 22, Emerson will kick off this year's fundraising efforts at the Rock Financial Showplace with a special breakfast inviting other local businesses to join the force to 'Defeat ALS.'

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord.  When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them.  Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes, someone dies as a result of the disease.

The mission of the ALS Association is to lead the fight to a cure and treat ALS through global cutting-edge research. The goal is to empower people with Lou Gehrig's disease, as well as their families, to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.  

Quicken Loans, the nation's largest online retail mortgage lender and fourth largest retail lender overall, has been named "Best of the Web" by Forbes and Money Magazine.  Quicken Loans has appeared on Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list for the past seven years, ranking as high as No. 2. The company also has been named one of Computerworld Magazine's "100 Best Places to Work in Technology" for the past six years, ranking No. 1 in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

The Walk To Defeat ALS is the Association's national signature fundraising event. Corporate sponsorships, Corporate Walk Teams and Family Walk Teams will be the key to the success of the Walk. For more information about The ALS Association, the Michigan Chapter, the critical research and patient services they fund and how you can help, call 248.680.6540.

SOURCE Quicken Loans