On December 8, 2004, the inaugural Mark Baker Foundation Gala was held at The Schuster Performing Arts Center where over 240 persons were in attendance with a great time had by all. The gala featured silent auction items, an oral auction, dinner, dancing, music by Tonya Baker and Divinity, and much more. Larry Hansgen from WHIO “NEWS TALK 1290” was the master of ceremonies. Hansgen also facilitated the oral auction with the charm and whit all of us would like to possess.

The evening began with a reception followed by comments from Mark Baker, then the reading from State Representative, Fred Strahorn, of a “Proclamation” from Dayton Mayor, Rhine McLin proclaiming December 9th as “Mark Baker Foundation Day”.

Dinner was next. Prepared by executive chef Jayson Lewellyn of Citilites, this dinner was one of the finest dinners this writer has ever consumed.

Following dinner Larry Hansgen introduced Mark Baker. Mark spoke for a few minutes highlighting moments in his past where surroundings were such as he could have gone in an undesirable direction. It was because of these moments that Mark saw a need and a calling to develop programs to help at risk children deal with moments such as these to give them the tools and strength to take the correct turns in life.

Following Mark’s address, his wife Tonya, a local Gospel singer, sang “What About the Children”. Tonya’s arrangement of this Yolanda Adams song was so powerful that everyone at the Schuster Center stopped, listened and shook their heads in amazement.

It was now time for Larry Hansgen and the oral auction. Oral auction items included an authentic jersey from NBA, 2003/04 Rookie of the Year Lebron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Ben Roethlisberger from the Pittsburgh Steelers probable 2004 NFL Rookie of the Year. Hansgen’s ability to “work the crowd” and extend the bidding brought a sold value for the Lebron jersey of $5,100 and the Roethlisberger jersey of $2,000.

While all of the above was taking place, silent auction items were beautifully displayed and exhibited for all to make their bids. Silent Auction items ranged from small to large, exquisite to everyday and from most desired to least expected. There was something for everyone. While guests were placing their final bids on silent auction items, Tonya Baker and Divinity were entertaining the audience by singing traditional holiday music.

The evening was a big success. Responses to the event were numerous:
“The display of auction items far exceeded my expectations”,
“Everything from the food, Emcee, entertainment to the smallest auction item was excellent”,
“We had a great time”,
“A wonderful event for a perfect cause, our youth”.

The night was also a financial success! Net Profit for the evening exceeded expectations at over $58,000. All for the benefit of at risk children.

Finally, on behalf of the entire Mark Baker Foundation team we would like to thank each of you that participated in this year’s gala. It was a great success and it could not have been done without you!