Thanksgiving is a holiday with a special focus on family and loved ones, true, but it is also a time to recognize the good that surrounds each of us. As the past few years have been particularly difficult for our entire country, for this year I think we should each take an extra moment to acknowledge how fortunate we really are.

Something I am thankful for this Thanksgiving are the dedicated employees, contractors and suppliers of Mid-Atlantic Builders. Because of these men and women, we are able to provide our customers more than a just a house. We enable each family who buys a Mid-Atlantic home to have a special place to celebrate together. This time of year means a holiday meal, presents and holiday decorations and staying warm by the fire. Our company is happy to play a part in creating a place for those moments.

Without each team member’s contribution, our company’s vision would be impossible to achieve and our customer’s dreams would never become a reality.

So this year, when I enjoy my holiday meal in the company of  friends and family, I will be thinking of all those in the Mid-Atlantic Builders community. Happy Thanksgiving and may the coming year be a bountiful one for all.

For over 10 years Mid-Atlantic Builders has been an ardent supporter of Fannie Mae’s annual Help the Homeless Walk. This year I found myself particularly humbled by the event.

Saturday’s walkathon on the National Mall attracted more than 15,000 walkers according to RealEstateRama.com and raised more than $80 million. Several from Mid-Atlantic were in attendance to offer their support for the worthy cause.

According to Fannie Mae, nearly 660,000 people nationwide call the streets their home. Here in Washington, DC that number is nearly 20,000.

This year’s walkathon was sponsored by 118 organizations and attracted powerful support from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes and actor Jermaine Crawford of HBO’s The Wire.

Michael J. William, president and CEO of Fannie Mae, was also on hand to add his remarks.

“Every person walking today is sending a message. We are saying that we have neighbors in need, we care about them and we want to do something to help.”

As a homebuilder, I understand the value of having a safe environment to come home to at night. Naturally, Mid-Atlantic Builders cares about building quality homes for its customers, but housing those less fortunate is of equal concern.

If you would like to learn how you can help combat homelessness or want to take part in next year’s Help the Homeless Walk visit Fannie Mae’s website.