Committed to Our Community
Baird Associates Give Back in Seattle and Bellevue
Learn More About Baird in Seattle and BellevueIn May of 2023, Associates from Baird’s Downtown Seattle and Bellevue offices teamed up and volunteered with local organizations to help the hungry and the homeless, and to clean up the communities they share during Gives Back Week.
Baird Gives Back gives us exposure to some of the incredible ways people are using organizations and resources to not only feed people, but to reduce waste in our communities, It’s humbling to see good ideas actually coming to fruition, like redistributing what would be wasted food and putting into the hands of those who need it.
Lori Winkelhake, Equity Agency Trader
Lori was part of a team of Seattle-based Baird Associates who volunteered at Food Lifeline in Georgetown this year. Together they sorted and repacked over 13,400 pounds of food, including over 6,000 lbs. of bulk rice, which they scooped into small bags, tied and labeled with date and weight.
Making a Difference Outside and In
At Longfellow Creek in Seattle, 14 associates cleared blackberry brambles and other invasive plant species, helping to revitalize this rich habitat for local plant and wildlife and create a green space for people to enjoy.
It was a pleasure to be outside with my coworkers, giving back to the community. Hopefully, residents of the area will be able to use and enjoy that natural space when the work is completed, and it was rewarding to play a small part in the process.
Adam Hamilton, Financial Advisor
Meanwhile, a group of Bellevue Associates worked together to clean and disinfect three stories of common space at the Ronald McDonald House, where families can stay while their children receive medical care at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
“It was deeply rewarding to see our associates come together to support such a wonderful charity, whose mission is to help families feel at home, even when they can’t be,” said Patrice Rue, Branch Administrative Supervisor.
“This organization does so much for so many families. We are very honored to be able to help contribute to their efforts.
Andy Roed, Bellevue Branch Manager
Sharing the Experience
Associates from both Seattle and Bellevue were also able to dig in and make a difference from the office. In Seattle, a team of 14 spent more than an hour one day working together to assemble snack bags, which were delivered to Seattle Homeless Outreach.
I think it’s important to give back to our community in any way we can, and it’s great that we get the opportunity to do that together with our teams each year.
Nancy Urbina, Client Assistant
And in Bellevue, Associates who couldn’t participate on-site at Ronald McDonald House were still able to support the organization through donations of food and household supplies that were collected throughout the month.
“I am grateful that Baird is so intentional about the many different ways associates can serve others and our community,” said Michaela Allen “The Pantry and House Drive allowed me to share in the week by donating items families need during their time at the Ronald McDonald House in Seattle.”
Fueling Associates’ Impact
Baird Gives Back Week is just one of the ways in which the firm supports Associates’ passion for giving back to their communities.
It’s encouraging to work for a firm that puts action behind its community values. With Baird, I have the opportunity to use paid hours to contribute to my community, amplify my personal donations to causes I believe in with matching funds from the Baird Foundation, and learn from colleagues about organizations that are making a difference. Baird is catalyzing my personal growth in this area by truly walking the walk.
Savanna Atlas, Client Specialist
In 2022, Baird Foundation contributed more than $5.4 million to qualified nonprofits, including more than $3 million to match our Associates’ charitable donations. In addition, our annual United Way campaign raised over $4.1 million, with contributions from 66 participating offices, including Seattle and Bellevue.
Related Content
