Page 80 - January_2016_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

Time to Remember

Aby Sandra Lee Buxton
s Chair of this year’s Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation Gala (FCSF) “ Time
to Remember” Patty Baker is inviting you to attend this one of a kind party. The
motivating factor in accepting this role is because “it’s fun, and it feels good to be
of help to families in need.” Lets learn more about this leader and you’ll understand how this

all fits together. The Baker surname comes from the ancient culture of the Anglo-Saxons

and was first used as an occupational name. Baking and the provision of food for others is

definitely “hospitality”, and that’s the motivation for philanthropic endeavors, kindness and

improving opportunities for others. “Do the right thing and it comes back 10 fold”, is an

old family saying from her childhood and doing the right thing is her motto today. She and

her husband Jay made Naples their permanent home in 2004 and have helped mold our

community into what it is today. Although she lives a low key life style and considers herself

shy her public persona is larger than life. Let’s mention just a few of her passions:

The Arts: No secret that Patty loves all art forms and she wants to ensure that others

have access as well. The Baker Museum of Artis - Naples is an impressive collection and

considered the foremost fine arts museum in SW Florida. Gulfshore Playhouse was the

recipient of a gift when Patty and her husband Jay became Season Benefactors ensuring the

continuation of professional theater here locally. Patty studied theater at Hunter College

in NYC so this art form is in her blood. The Baker Theater on that College campus was

provided to enhance the learning experience of future students. Then of course there’s

Broadway, need we say more. Preferring to be off stage and behind the scenes she is a Tony

Award Winning Producer and this winter will have six Broadway productions running at

the same time, WOW. PATTY BAKER, PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLIE MCDONALD

Baker Park: Patty’s love for all things Naples, made her investment in “the people’s

park” a natural. The yet undeveloped seven acres of land is located adjacent to city owned recognize that indeed THERE IS NO

property and the mangrove forest along the Gordon River. The purpose of the Baker Park is OTHER MUSIC. Patty mentioned that

to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Bringing joy to others certainly the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame grew

sounds like hospitality to me. out of Blues, Gospel, Country then Rock

Health and Wellness: NCH’s North Naples Hospital is home to the Jay and Patty and Roll/Jazz. With a Gala goal of raising

Baker Patient Care Tower. The reason for involvement is simple; to assist others as they more than $1,000,000 this year, “Time to

heal by providing space that is state of the art. Patty values good health and living a healthy Remember” will also be known as “The

lifestyle and wants that available to others as well. Event to Remember.”Live auction items are

Gala - Her “Time to Remember” extravaganza brings out her passion of supporting others not your traditional fare but treasures that

at a vulnerable time in their lives. The FCSF began in 2010 and was established as a 501(c)(3) everyone will be clamoring for. Join Patty on

in 2012, thus far it has provided more than $1,000,000 in financial support to patients. The April 16, 2015 at The Ritz on the beach and

inaugural biannual fundraiser was held in 2014 and amassed more than $600,000 which was be one of those who care and want to share.

welcome relief for so many patients. Monies specifically help qualified patients pay for their For tickets and sponsorship/underwriting

everyday living expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, telephones, cars, transportation or opportunities call 941.677.7181 or visit

insurance payments. Relief from some of the everyday stressors enables patients to focus on Foundation.FLCancer.com/Time

what’s really important, fighting their cancer.

Patty has had family members affected by cancer which brings the

Gala mission closer to home. She has experienced firsthand the stress,

struggles and the emotional toll that accompany fighting this disease.

Patty used her involvement with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame located

in Cleveland Ohio to obtain Martha Reeves and The Vandellas. Martha

who is the First Lady of Motown and certainly a legend is guaranteed

to bring the house down. Those who are connoisseurs of fine music will

80 Life in Naples | January 2016