Applied Mortgage Team Continues to Give Back to Community

NORTHAMPTON — The Applied Mortgage Team, a branch of HMA Mortgage, has long believed that giving back to the communities it serves is not just part of its mission, but at the heart of it. This belief was once again evident throughout the third quarter of 2025 as the team supported a wide range of community programs, fundraisers, and events through sponsorships, donations, volunteerism, and participation.

Applied Mortgage’s third-quarter sponsorships included the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce’s 22nd annual charity golf tournament, the Welcome New Teachers Bags program of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, Community in Action’s “Celebrating the Career of Clare Higgins” event, and the Northampton Jazz Festival.

In addition, the Applied Mortgage Team supported the William E. Norris School after the PTO shared news of school budget cuts. When Anytime Nutrition in Southampton pledged to donate a portion of profits for one week in August and called for other local businesses to match, Applied Mortgage joined with Hackworth School, Kent Brothers, Paisano’s, bankESB, Parker & O’Grady, and Anytime Nutrition to collectively raise $5,000.

The team also served as presenting sponsor of Northampton Neighbors’ third annual Doozy Do Parade. More than a festive march, this serves as an intergenerational gathering through which, along with accompanying Downtown Doozy festivities, raises awareness and financial support for Northampton Neighbors, which offers free services and programs enabling older adults in Northampton, Florence, and Leeds to remain independent, engaged, and connected in place.

The team also organized and participating in HMA Volunteer Day and gave back through Habitat for Humanity’s Build Day in Greenfield. The group rolled up their sleeves to help provide safe and affordable housing for families in need.

The Applied Mortgage Team also decided in July to launch its own community growth initiative, Local Love Days. Created to support small businesses and strengthen community ties, Local Love Days mobilizes Applied Mortgage’s extended network of clients, partners, and friends to shop locally and show their support. On select days, Applied Mortgage partners with area businesses and provides attendees with a complimentary thank-you item. This quarter’s highlights included a happy hour at Gigantic in Easthampton, a complimentary nutrition drink at Anytime Nutrition in Southampton, a community yoga class at Serenity Yoga in South Hadley, and a free ‘fright bite’ at Familiars Coffee & Tea to kick off the Great Northampton Haunt.

Beyond sponsorships and programs, the Applied Mortgage Team remained deeply involved in the fabric of the communities it serves. From charity golf tournaments and chamber networking events to family-friendly celebrations and educational seminars, the team made it a priority to show up, connect, and contribute. A sample of third-quarter participation includes the 2025 Kevin J. Major Memorial Golf Tournament, the Easthampton Firefighters Charitable Foundation Golf Scramble, Greenfield’s Independence Day Fireworks Celebration, and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Super Breakfast, among many others.

“Our commitment to community goes far beyond financial contributions. It is about being present, engaged, and intentional with how we support the places where we live and work,” said Lindsay Barron LaBonte, branch manager of the Applied Mortgage Team. “We are proud to partner with so many organizations that make a lasting impact, and we will continue to do our part to help our communities thrive.”