Page 71 - May-June-July Life In Naples Magazine

Maverick Kragh and grandma Becky Kragh

The fireworks which were
launched from a barge this
year were as stunning as
the previous year, marking
another round of successful
fundraising for the Park. As
the carousel turned in the
background, it was almost as
if another side of Naples was
emerging, one that calls to
young families and children
and says, “Naples welcomes you, too.”
“Almost everyone there rode the carousel and it was really, really cute,” said
Delores Sorey, Gala Chairwoman of the heart of the park. “The adults enjoyed it
as much as the kids and that was the fun thing.”
Most of the Baker Park is slated to be passive but organizers hope the end
plan will have a draw for people of all ages who want more than greenspace.
At the gala, a limited number of items were presented for auction including
William Boyajian’s ‘Greenway Emerald Ring’ with Colombian emeralds, green
diamonds, rare green tsavorite tourmalines and gem white diamonds in 18 karat
gold. The auction sponsors include Bigham Jewelers, Inc., Preferred Travel of
Naples, Avenue 5 and Truluck’s.
“Including pledges and items sold, plus the gala itself raised $800,000 so
we are getting close to our $7.5 target,” said Sorey who reported an attendance
of 400 gala guests. “When you have nothing but a big field and turn it into a
gala it’s always a challenge but it was much easier this year than last year – we
basically did the same thing as last year and the only addition was the carousel.”
FPL ran an auxiliary line so organizers had some help with power, but
Sorey says she will be happy when there is running water there. This year’s
gala brings Baker Park that much closer to people walking down the trails
and sitting on the swings, looking at the river and hopefully taking a spin on
the carousel. Images of parents and grandparents watching children at play
or reading to them with the Gordon River in the background. And of course,
having a glass of lemonade and some ice cream.
The gala was sponsored by The Friends of Baker Park, Inc. and The Ronto
Group, design sponsor MHK Architecture & Planning – Matthew H. Kragh, AIA,
NCARB, gold sponsor FineMark National Bank & Trust, William Boyajian’s
Port Royal Jewelers, silver sponsor Beacon Real Estate Partners, Coleman,
Yovanovich & Koester, Nancy and Jack Hurst, silver sponsors Nancy and Tom
Cusick, Premier Property Management, The Law Offices of Sam J. Saad, III and
Lutgert Insurance. Media sponsors include Life in Naples Magazine and Naples
Daily News. In-kind sponsors include Five Star Valet, Grace Lakes Florist,
Naples Print Source, T-Shirt Express, Taylor Rental Inc. and Wynn’s Market
& Catering.
For information on Baker Park, visit www.friendsofbakerpark.com.

From Top to Bottom
1. Mayor John Sorey and Bill Barnett

2. Patty and Jay Baker
3. Pat Barton Donna Fiala and Bill Barton

4. Bob and Penny Pritt
5. Gary and Flip West with William Boyajian of Port Royal Jewelers