Baird Foundation Annual Report 2017: Imagine Partnering for a Brighter Future. | Page 11

his colleagues to raise money for the relief efforts and committed to matching the
funds that were raised. Between these donations and additional support from the
Baird Foundation, the Cleveland office raised thousands of dollars to help the victims
of Hurricane Maria. Reflecting on the experience, Gil wrote, “I am honored to work at
Baird because of the generosity and empathy that the firm and all of my colleagues
have shown for people who are in need.”
Many Baird business units and departments rallied to support those impacted by
the hurricanes, which resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in donations to several
organizations that helped victims in various ways. In fact, the American Red Cross was
one of the top two organizations in the U.S. selected by Baird associates to receive a
donation from the firm in lieu of a holiday gift to associates.
N AT I O N A L M U LT I P L E S C L E R O S I S S O C I E T Y
What started as a simple effort to support a colleague turned into a fundraising
campaign that will impact those battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS). When Beckie Clark,
a Client Specialist based in Sarasota, Fla., was diagnosed with MS, her longtime friend
and manager, Tammy Burns, knew she wanted to do something special for her.
Tammy traveled to Wisconsin and banded together with 11 other riders to participate
in the two-day Bike MS: Toyota Best Dam Bike Tour. Attracting more than 100,000
participants nationwide, Bike MS is the largest fundraising cycling series in the U.S.
and is hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a nonprofit organization
that helps fund critical services and groundbreaking research. “I bought a new bike,
airplane tickets and registered,” said Tammy. “This was my first-ever ride and there was
no turning back!” She reached out to co-workers in her office, inviting them to support
the cause. There was an immediate response, and donations came in from those who
were inspired to help from several different branches around the U.S.
“It was so humbling to have my dearest friend take the time, money and considerable
effort to gather donations, train and then complete both days of the grueling ride,”
said Beckie. “Knowing that my colleagues and others in and outside of Baird didn’t
hesitate to donate had me in tears (happy ones). It means you never feel alone in your
struggles when you have friends and co-workers like mine.”
“This was an amazing experience in honor of a close colleague and great cause,”
Tammy said. “I’m deeply moved by the kindness and support shown by associates and
the Baird Foundation, and I hope that one day we’ll discover a cure to end MS.”