Join Us for Baker Industries’ 44th Annual Celebration Gala!
For 45 incredible years, Baker Industries has been creating “sweet success” stories—transforming lives, building hope, and proving that everyone deserves a chance to thrive. This year, we’re celebrating not just our participants’ achievements but the sweet taste of independence, dignity, and new beginnings.
🌟 What Makes Our Success So Sweet?
Real Impact, Real Results:
- Over 12,000 vulnerable adults have found new paths through our program
- In 2024, 60 individuals transitioned to regular employment at an average wage of over $18.00/hr
- Our participants contribute approximately $150,000 annually in taxes to the community
- We maintain one of the lowest recidivism rates in the region
Sweet Stories of Transformation: “Baker was great. Basically, I wanted to find something to get me integrated back into the work society… into society. And this place helped me get back into the rhythm of work. It helped me tremendously – it was great.” – Josh Schaffer, Carter Mechanical
🎉 Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, September 27th
🕕 Time: 6pm
📍 Location: Merion Cricket Club
🌟 Honoring Our Sweet Success Champions
This year, we’re thrilled to honor Rick & Lesty Ill for their exceptional commitment to Baker Industries’ mission and their remarkable impact on our community.
Rick and Lesty Ill have been generous supporters of Baker Industries since the early 2000s. Together, they have demonstrated unwavering commitment to our mission through their shared philanthropic support and Lesty’s volunteer work at Baker’s golf outings from 2003-2018, helping to sell chances for prizes alongside other dedicated volunteers. Rick has also provided visionary leadership as a Board member since 2005 and Board Chair since 2014.
A graduate of Lafayette College, Drexel Business School and the Stanford Executive Program, Rick served with honor in the US Army from 1965-1968. His business career began at Alco Standard Corporation in 1968, rising as a leader until in 1993 he made the bold move that would define his legacy. When Alco Standard decided to sell two of its operating groups, Rick didn’t just find buyers—he secured venture capital and bought the companies himself, forming Triumph Group. Under his leadership, Triumph evolved and focused on aerospace markets, with Rick serving as CEO and Board Chair until 2016.
Rick’s entrepreneurial success earned him recognition as Ernst & Young’s 2009 Philadelphia Entrepreneur of the Year and the 2011 Mustang Scholars Foundation Man of the Year. Beyond Baker Industries, he has served on multiple nonprofit and for-profit boards.
As Rick puts it: “I feel like I am a living example of why it’s important to give people a chance to succeed. I firmly believe that when a chance is coupled with hard work, the sky’s the limit in terms of what you can do. I believe in the idea of paying it forward and recognize that there are many people that deserve and can truly benefit from a break in life.”
Rick and Lesty’s partnership and unwavering support have been instrumental in Baker Industries’ ability to transform lives and build stronger communities across Philadelphia. Join us as we celebrate their outstanding contributions to our sweet success story!
🎫 Get Your Tickets Now!
Buy Tickets Here: bakerindustries.home.qtego.us
🎁 Silent Auction – Bid on Sweet Deals!
Our mobile silent auction will feature amazing items and experiences. You don’t have to attend the gala to bid and win!
Silent Auction Details:
- Opens: September 19th
- Closes: At the event on September 27th at 9PM
- Bidding available online
Register for Silent Auction: bakerindustries.home.qtego.us
🎯 Our Sweet 2025 Goals
Your support helps us achieve ambitious goals that create even sweeter success:
- Serve over 200 participants in our workforce development program
- Support 60+ adults in achieving better employment at living wage levels
- Raise $200,000 for the Justin Baker Endowment Fund
- Launch new participant support programs
💝 Why Your Support Creates Sweet Success
When you join us at the gala, you’re investing in:
✅ Paid Training – Participants earn while they learn, removing financial barriers
✅ Trauma-Informed Care – Addressing root causes, not just symptoms
✅ Living Wages – Our graduates earn an average of $18+/hour
✅ Community Safety – Dramatically reduced recidivism rates
✅ Economic Growth – Participants become taxpaying, contributing community members
🏆 Celebrating 45 Years of Sweet Success
From our humble beginnings in 1980 with two employees working from a garage, Baker Industries has grown into a nationally recognized workforce development program. We’ve been honored with numerous Top-Rated Awards by GreatNonprofits and received recognition from organizations across the Philadelphia region.
Our participants work in diverse roles:
- Manufacturing and production
- Customer service
- Distribution and logistics
- Maintenance and facilities
- Food service and retail
🤝 Join Our Sweet Success Story
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or discovering Baker Industries for the first time, we invite you to be part of our sweet success story. Together, we can continue transforming lives and strengthening our community.
Ready to Join Us?
🎫 Purchase Tickets & Register for Silent Auction: bakerindustries.home.qtego.us
📧 Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Baker Industries is a 45-year-old nonprofit workforce development program providing hope and opportunity for vulnerable adults in the Philadelphia region. Our mission: to employ, teach, provide, act, and help those who need it most.
Learn more about our sweet success stories at bakerindustries.org