Pictured: Amy Monroe, Scott Moeller and Danette Williamson

April was National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Baxter partnered with One Hope United to raise awareness of this important cause and unfortunate issue throughout the communities of Lake County. One Hope United, a nonprofit human services agency, helps prevent child abuse by providing intensive support services to families at risk of abuse and neglect. Last year, the nonprofit agency served more than 4,500 families through child abuse prevention programs, and 98 percent of families served had no reports of abuse or neglect.

Baxter has been an avid supporter of the nonprofit and raised more than $1,585 in April to prevent child abuse. By holding a “Wear Blue Jeans for Blue Ribbon Month” event, Baxter’s McGaw Park office raised more than $1,100 and its Round Lake facility raised nearly $500.

In addition, several Baxter staff members including Amy Monroe, Danette Williamson and Scott Moeller, a board member at One Hope United, served on the planning committee for the nonprofit agency’s huge Blue Ribbon Month fundraiser, which brought in nearly $100,000 for the agency this year. The theme this year was “Swing into Spring” and featured guest speaker Sheri Salata, President/Harpo Studios and Executive Producer/”The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Danette was also named One Hope United – Northern Region’s 2010 “Volunteer of the Year,” after leading two major donation campaigns at Baxter for the nonprofit and for recruiting her follow employees to help the agency.

“Danette has been a tireless advocate for our mission and has spearheaded two major donation drives a year for One Hope United,” said Marilee LaMattina, One Hope United development associate. “She organized the holiday gift drive for the last four years, providing gifts for more than 100 children each year and organized the back to school drive for the last three years, providing backpacks for more than 50 children.”