Baird Cares
The mission of Baird Gives Back associate resource group is to broaden and deepen associate involvement in volunteer opportunities. More than 1,700 associates and family members from more than 78 global Baird locations donated over 6,000 hours to nearly 130 nonprofit organizations during the firm wide event. These outstanding results are a clear indication of our long-standing commitment to giving back to the communities in which we live and work.
Winnebago County Forest Preserves
Baird Cares 2026 was spent at Roland Olson in Roscoe, IL. Several Baird associates worked hard cutting out over 1,500 pounds of invasive species while battling ticks and poison ivy! It was well worth the effort, as it will take years for it to grow back allowing newly planted seeds to grow. Winnebago County Forest Preserves now encompass over 11,500 acres of woods, wetlands, rivers, prairies, and ponds.
Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary
In 2025, the Baird crew enjoyed meeting new furry friends at Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary! In addition to learning about the animals and how the adoption process works, Baird associates made time to help in areas where the sanctuary needed it most. The Pet Food Pantry received a fresh coat of paint, dishes were washed and kennels were cleaned! If you want to learn more about Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary or Clinic, please visit their website!
Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
Several Baird associates from the Rockford branch recently spent time at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve cutting back invasive Japanese Honeysuckle! It was a couple of HOT days, but well worth the effort to help maintain our forest preserves!
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Members of The Gillette Group recently spent time bagging over 1,000 pounds of hand soap, dry shampoo, toothbrushes and light bulbs for distribution to those in need in the Rockford area. It was a great afternoon of giving back to the community while still remaining safe and social distancing. The Northern Illinois Food Bank has seen an increase in need this year due to the ongoing pandemic.
Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association
Baird Associates were excited to give back and get walking in person again on September 18, 2021! Members of The Gillette Group manned the booth and walked in support of the Alzheimer's Association.
On September 7, 2019, Baird associates and clients were once again delighted to participate in the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's. Donations, personal contributions and the support of the Baird Foundation reached an all time high for the Rockford branch team. It was a beautiful day to support a worthy cause!
On September 15, 2018, Jennifer Lorenzen, Baird Rockford office colleagues, and family members participated in the 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer's. The Baird Rockford office was happy to obtain a Gold sponsorship level by obtaining outside donations, personal contributions along with the contributions of the Baird Foundation.
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Northern Illinois Food Bank
On October 23, 2019, The Gillette Team volunteered their time helping more than 65 individuals navigate through the Winnebago Community Market which opened at this permanent location in February 2019.
Ned Gillette along with his colleagues at the Baird Rockford branch volunteered a total of 47.5 hours of their time in 2 shifts on May 15, 2014 to sort donations at the Loves Park location of the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Baird's Rockford team packed 460 cases of food which is estimated to provide 8,433 meals for hungry neighbors in Northern Illinois.
Midway Village Museum
Midway Village Museum
Volunteers from the Baird Rockford Branch worked on May 16, 2013 at Midway Village Museum, Rockford, IL. They assisted Midway Village with weeding and planting their flower beds and vegetable garden. The Rockford branch also donated 15 bags of compost.