LPL, Baird Stage Major Volunteer Projects

Milwaukee-based Baird, which is privately owned and has about 2,700 advisors and staff members, says that its advisors and their family members donated 3,700 hours in mid-May to help some 100 nonprofit organizations during Baird Gives Back Week. Launched three years ago, this effort now includes advisors and others in nearly 50 Baird offices, both in the United States and overseas.

In May, associates helped with projects such as preparing and serving food, tutoring and mentoring students, working with seniors, building homes, cleaning up parks, performing indoor/outdoor maintenance, and assisting with event coordination. Associates received two paid days off to perform volunteer service through the Baird Cares program.

“When our communities do well, we do well, both as a business and as individuals seeking balance in our work and personal lives,” said Baird Chairman, President & CEO Paul E. Purcell, in a statement.

“It is very inspiring that so many of our associates across the firm chose to participate in Baird Gives Back Week, an annual event that celebrates our firm’s longstanding tradition of giving back to the communities in which we live and work, as well as our associates who are passionate about making a difference,” Purcell explained.

Raymond James’ Plans

Gearing up for its golden anniversary, Raymond James is encouraging advisors and staff members to participate in community-service activities during the month of August. It is making T-shirts, hats, water bottles and other materials available for these efforts.

A pilot version of Raymond James Cares was created in May 2011 through the leadership of Raymond James & Associates Private Client Group President Tash Elwyn, then-head of the Atlantic division of RJ&A. Close to 300 advisors and volunteers from more than 15 offices contributed 1,000 hours to their respective communities.