Richard Maize: Maize Foundation is Proud to Save, Comfort Animals In Need

Los Angeles --- February 27 ..... When Richard Maize is not helping the homeless in LA, he can be seen assembling beds for stray dogs and cats at the Los Angeles Animal Shelter.

"My wife Rochelle and I are proud to have donated69 beds to stray dogs and cats which are awaiting caring homes," says Maize. 

"We trust that our action here will serve as an inspiration to many others in helping these loyal, four legged friends of ours who are responsible for protecting our homes and making sure that they are clean of mice, snakes and crawling insects." 

"Thousands of dogs in animal shelters across the country sleep on cold, wet, concrete floors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cats in cages have little alternatives to sleeping in their litter pans," says Maize.

"We contacted Kuranda USA, a small manufacturing company established in 1987 and based in Annapolis, Maryland. They provide "Chewproof" designs for kennels, shelters and chewing puppies. These beds are soft, off the floor providing comfort for years. They are easy to clean and deodorize."

Maize states: "These beautiful dogs and cats provide us and our children with unconditional love. The least we can do is make sure that they are safe, comfortable and being cared for in the best and most professional manner." 

There are about 5,000 community animal shelters in the US that are independent; there is no national organization monitoring these shelters. The terms “humane society” and “SPCA” are generic; shelters using those names are not part of the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States. 

Currently, no government institution or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national statistics for the animal protection movement. Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). 


Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state. 


According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.


Twenty-five percent of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred. 


Only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. About 75 percent of owned pets are neutered.


According to Ralston Purina and NCPPSP, the majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. About 15 to 20 percent of dogs are purchased from breeders, and 10 to 20 percent of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues. 


More than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter. 


Five out of ten dogs in shelters and seven out of ten cats in shelters are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them. 

"This bed for pets thing was not my idea nor was it even on my radar as possible donations for me and my foundation.  A dear friend of mine called me and asked if I would be interested in donating some money to give dogs beds so that they would not have to lay on cold concrete while waiting and hoping for a good home," says Maize.  

"After waiting for 3 weeks after the ordering of the beds, they finally arrived.  My friend and I couldn't wait until we drove up to the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter to see that the caged dogs were in fact on the beds.  Someone else donated blankets to be placed on these beds.  Many of these dogs found the beds in their spacious cages and where happily laying there." 

"Two of the volunteers with tears in their eyes came over to hug me. They told me how grateful they were and what a difference it made to the well being of the dogs during these cold months."     

 

Richard Maize continues: "I have been involved in many charitable acts and all are great.  Up to now, I found giving directly to the needy (i.e. - the homeless) was a very rewarding experience. This was as good or even better in a way then that great experience. These innocent animals that are in critical need of being rescued are at least today living a little better."  

"We thank Lt. Castillo and the LA Animal Shelter for its unselfish work in contributing to our community. In keeping these loving dogs and cats warm, out of the rain and well fed,"  says Richard Maize.

"We remain ready to contribute both our time and efforts again in the future for these beautiful and loving animals."

Richard Maize: Will Fannie Mae Abandon The Mortgage Industry?

Richard Maize: Will Fannie Mae Abandon The Mortgage Industry?

When not addressing real estate and mortgage issues,
Maize helps out the homeless.

Los Angeles --- February 16 ..... Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) whom is commonly referred to as government guaranteed “conforming” loans to the common borrower may be withdrawing from the mortgage business.

"President Obama’s administration feels that it is way too much of a drain of American taxpayer’s money to support this guarantee and continue with huge losses that they have been experiencing especially during the last 4 years," says Richard Maize. 

 "The government sustained about 100 billion dollars and continues to grow by the day.   Fannie Mae (and Freddie Mac (Fannie’s co part)) currently is holding half of 11 trillion dollars worth of outstanding mortgages.  In many states, the conforming (Fannie Mae) is about $729,000 (this varies to the area and also is higher for units up to four)."  

"What will happen to the mortgage market without conforming loans?  Then, how does this affect the housing prices and the overall residential real estate market?," asks Richard Maize.

"The mortgage market will be run by individual investors similar to that of “jumbo loans” (loans over the conforming limit).  The loans will be funded using banks and other institutions and either held by that specific institution (the funds from depositors) or sold by the use of mortgage back securities (bonds).  Overall the cost and interest rates are higher in the “jumbo” arena," says Maize.  

"It is also more difficult to qualify as the government loans had easier underwriting guidelines for these loans (generally speaking).   The government sponsored such loans as “first time homebuyers” programs which even makes the rate and terms much more favorable for the borrower.  Also, that program is easier to qualify on many levels than even the conventional (conforming) market.  Unless the private sector (institutional lenders) picks up the slack and follows the old conforming loans criteria, this can and likely will have another hit for the potential borrower and that of the hurting residential real estate markets."  

Richard Maize adds: "As stated above, the real estate markets in the majority of the country (outside the high end cities in California, New York, Chicago and many of the other major cities in a number of states)  will show signs of additional sluggishness when the buyers will be further diminished by difficult and costly borrowing guidelines.   The high end properties may not feel the same direct effect providing we don’t have a domino effect by the loss of value to the houses that require a loan for about $730,000 or less."  

"Although, the Obama administration plans on removing the government backed loans in a slow methodical manner, I think this will have the market spooked and buyers may wait on the sidelines to see the effect of this action."

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.

Richard Maize, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid, Maccabiah Jewish Olympic Games and the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.

Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit organizations and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/01/20/prweb4983344.DTL&ao=2#ixzz1EALOB7IN

Richard Maize: It's Difficult Deciding Where, Who To Donate Charity

Richard Maize: It's Difficult Deciding Where, Who To Donate Charity

Los Angeles --- February 3, 2011 ...... "There are such a wide variety of great organizations in the US to get involved with both in time and money donations," says Richard Maize.  "Not only does a donor feel like they are doing the right thing by donating, there is a special reward and that is a tax deduction that you get from the donations you give.  I am blessed to be able to have a little extra to continue my donations to great causes." 

Maize adds: "A couple of years ago, I stumbled (through my daughters school actually) to a location in East Los Angeles whereby a wonderful organization donates and serves dinners to the homeless 365 days a year.  The meals come from the extra food from the local restaurants that they donate to this cause."

"When I first visited this site where the homeless of LA take refuge, as I reported earlier, I started to talk to these people and learned a little about how they got on the streets.  Many people are afraid of the homeless.  Some of these people are educated and whether it is drugs or just simply bad luck, they all are in similar positions no matter what their origins were." 

Maize continues: "After I left there a couple of years ago, I went to a shopping area in downtown Los Angeles called “The Alley” which sells different items for less than the department stores such as sweat clothes, underwear, socks, shoes etc.  I bought 125 items each time I went to the alley and went back to this corner (often enlisted friends and family members) to give away whatever I happened to have purchased that day." 

"The other day, earlier this week, I spent time with my wife going through all of our clothes in our closets and drawers clearing out all the jackets, sweaters and clothing we have and do not wear very often, if at all.  We filled up 4 large trash bags full of once very expensive articles of clothing.   I found that since this often giving is not an organized charity with a 501 certification, the money spent and articles of clothing previously given are not deductible.  The question is what do I do with these new donations I have?  Do I simply forget about the other worthwhile organizations and give it to the homeless?"  

"On one side, the other groups  are real needy people with open hands and needs while still getting the write off.  The other side is seeing first hand who gets my clothing that I once shopped for and wore at one time or another.  Seeing smiling and very appreciative people accepting these."

"I had to re-think on why I enjoyed helping and giving these and other clothes first hand," says Richard Maize.  "I thought about it and recognized that I always left that special corner where all the homeless in the area eat with a great deal of pride and good feelings.  I guess you know my decision on my recent donations.  Don’t misunderstand my thought process; I love giving and participating to many other organizations and we do.  But, when it comes to giving out clothing and food, it doesn’t get much better in my opinion." 

"OK, my trunk was filled up with these closed trash bags.  However, on this night, I took my elderly parents (in their mid 80s) and my wife (much younger than that) for an early dinner.  I surprised my parents by taking them along with us to this special corner.  We ate at the Grove in Los Angeles so that our drive was limited.  I asked my parents if before we went home, if we can go and hand out some of my old clothes.  They agreed."

 Maize continues: "I opened my trunk and my wife and I were doing the handing out to an orderly crowd one at a time and only taking what each thought they wanted.  Some of my dress slacks and ties were not taken but all the rest were.  I had smiles from all types of people.  From the corner of my eye, I watched my father watching me and how much pride I took by talking with these mostly kind and nice homeless people.  He left with a heavy heart and called me the next day telling me that the evening was great and how touched he was by my enthusiasm and the kindness of the people receiving the help.  He asked to go with me next time.  He wanted to go through his clothing to see if he had something to give."  

"Bless his heart. One last thing, as my wife and I were going through the bags of clothes, we came across a jacket that once belonged to her deceased father.  She said, please Rich, give this to someone special.  I saw a slightly crippled man quiet and when he did speak, he was kind and well spoken.  I went to him and asked him if he wanted to have this jacket.  He tried it on and smiled at me and said, he would be honored." 

"I now made up my mind, that I will go outside my one corner limit for this next week and visit other homeless in the city and try to help at homeless shelters and food stops.  I am not going over the top, just broadening this horizon for me."

The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports and contributes volunteer and financial resources to causes locally in the community and worldwide by supporting meaningful programs focusing on art, culture, family services and health care that work to help people live more fulfilling lives.


Richard Maize, a respected leader in the mortgage banking real estate industry, and a mentor to young entrepreneurs, has generously supported organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, Hurricane Katrina, Los Angeles Police Foundation, USO, Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Israel Flying Aid, Maccabiah Jewish Olympic Games and the Cedars Sinai Board of Governors.


Richard Maize and his wife, Rochelle Maize, are longtime benefactors of many other non-profit organizations and Richard Maize has been recognized for his efforts on behalf of more than a dozen charitable groups and community projects.


The Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation supports an extraordinary number of foundations, organizations, and non-profit groups.