RISMEDIA, May 25, 2007-At an annual meeting of the company’s branch office representatives, Baird & Warner announced that it has raised over $1 million for Chicagoland nonprofit organizations since 2002.”It is important to all of us at Baird & Warner that we give back to the communities in which we live and work,” says Stephen W. Baird, president and chief executive officer for Baird & Warner. “We also believe that since our mission is housing, it would be appropriate to assist those in need of shelter and related assistance.”
To collect and distribute funds, Baird & Warner partnered with the Chicago Community Trust and established a donor-advised fund, “The Baird & Warner Good Will Network.” The Chicago Community Trust, a well-respected philanthropic foundation, has been helping concerned residents put charitable dollars to work in the Chicago area since 1915.
The majority of Baird & Warner’s funds were raised through the company’s automatic contribution program, whereby $10 dollars from Baird & Warner real estate, mortgage and Title commissions are contributed directly to the company’s philanthropic fund at the Trust. Employees and sales associates also make personal donations that are matched 100% by the company and host small fundraising events in their local communities to help a neighboring nonprofit.
“The Baird & Warner Good Will Network project is a perfect example of good corporate citizenry,” says Merri Ex, a vice-president of the Chicago Community Trust, the Good Will Network’s fund manager. “It’s very unusual to have a fund like this, where the employees contribute into it directly and also have decision-making power about it. The Baird & Warner Good Will Network is great because everyone in the company feels a part of making a difference.”
In addition to raising money for area nonprofit organizations, Baird & Warner staff and sales agents have donated countless hours of volunteer time. Every October, the company participates in the national day of community service “Make A Difference Day.” In 2006, the company was awarded the Jefferson Award for Public Service and the national Make A Difference Day Award
Among the nonprofits supported by Baird & Warner are:
— Shelter, Inc., Arlington Heights. “Shelter’s partnership with the
Baird & Warner Good Will Network opened up a world of possibility for
our children,” says Carol Brown, Shelter’s director of Development.
“Last year, Baird & Warner helped us match a challenge grant and
purchase a much-needed vehicle for one of our group homes. This year,
we will make some major improvements and repairs at another group home.
We are grateful for their dedication, and most of all, for Baird &
Warner’s belief in and support of our services.”
— The Cara Program, Chicago. “The Cara Program is honored to have been
supported by the Baird & Warner Good Will Network for the past three
years, through which we have been able to deliver a matched savings
program that is critical to the transformation of hundreds of
individuals affected by homelessness and poverty,” says Eric
Weinheimer, Cara’s executive director. “With the Baird & Warner Good
Will Network Savings Contribution, our organization has not only
educated over 300 individuals in personal budgeting and financial
literacy, but has also contributed $50,000 in matched savings to
formerly at-risk individuals who have now secured and sustained
full-time, quality employment. We encourage graduates to use these
funds to continue their journey to achieving real, lasting success,
such as furthering their education or making a down payment on a home
for themselves and their family.”
— Housing Opportunities for Women, Chicago. “Baird and Warner’s funding
has been a critical lever in addressing deficits in federal housing
policy for the working poor,” says Britt Shawver, executive director.
“The funding partnership has provided innovative solutions to the
housing crisis, allowing families and single mothers to stabilize their
families and rebuild a connection in their communities. Through Baird
and Warner’s visionary partnership, HOW has been able to leverage
hundreds of thousands of additional resources for these families.”
For more information, visit http://www.bairdwarner.com.
