The Naples Players received a $10 million sustaining gift for its endowment fund, thanks to Jay and Patty Baker, in a surprise move at the community theater’s annual gala Feb.10.
After a call to support the fund, the couple first offered $1 million each in two rounds. Then Patty Baker began walking among the tables on the theater-front plaza, handing her paddle to audience members to raise for her as the crowd cheered until the total reached $10 million.
The gift caps years of $1 million annual contributions from the Bakers and brings the endowment to approximately $20 million. At that level, the fund is expected to generate about $1 million annually in interest to support the theater’s operations and programs.
“It’s an extremely generous gift,” said Bryce Alexander, CEO and executive artistic director of The Naples Players, “not only because it’s $10 million, but also because it will represent their level of giving to our organization in perpetuity.”
Jay Baker, left, Bryce Alexander, CEO and executive artistic director of The Naples Players, and Patty Baker gather at the conclusion of the Feb. 10 gala. The Bakers announced a $10 million sustaining gift to the theater’s endowment fund.
The donation capped an evening of record giving from 222 attendees who dined on the theater-front plaza and watched video presentations highlighting the organization’s community work. The total, jump-started by an opening $250,000 gift from gala hosts Tanya and Denny Glass, exceeded $1.7 million, up from $1.45 million last year.
“It is truly exceptional to see how the Naples community shows up for The Naples Players,” Alexander said.
This year’s theme, Here’s to Heroes – Onstage and Beyond, focused on programs outside the traditional theater season. The organization partners with at least 45 local groups, offering initiatives that use theater to build skills.
Denny Glass, left, pledges $250,000 to auctioneer Rick Gallo at the start of The Naples Players’ annual gala. The gift helped propel total fundraising to more than $1.7 million for the evening.
Programs include educational games for children at Grace Place, a “trauma troupe” that portrays victims, aggressors or patients for Collier County Sheriff’s Office and NCH simulation training, and a life skills program that provides workforce training for young adults with developmental needs. The organization also offers in-school programs across Collier County.
The Naples Players founded the Baker Day School, described as the first performing arts high school in Naples, integrating academics with theater studies. It recently introduced ArtRx, a program that collaborates with patients on creative works compiled as “Healing Voices.”
A longer version of this story will appear in the Feb. 20 edition of The Naples Press.
Bakers’ $10M gift doubles Naples Players fund
Jay and Patty Baker surprised attendees at The Naples Players’ annual gala Feb. 10 with a $10 million sustaining gift to the community theater’s endowment fund. The donation doubles the endowment to approximately $20 million and caps years of $1 million annual contributions from the Bakers. The record-setting evening, held on the plaza outside Sugden Community Theatre, raised more than $1.7 million to support the organization’s operations and community programs.
Students from the Baker Day School, led by Thomas Currie, perform selections from “Hadestown Teen” during the Feb. 10 gala. The performing arts high school is one of The Naples Players’ educational initiatives supported by the endowment.
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