Baker College Spring Tea brews success for charity and community

More than $8,000 was raised at the 15th annual Baker College Spring Tea fundraiser, Saturday, April 30, for this year’s designated charity, the Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (CPCAN) Jackson.

CPCAN works to help children grow up safe and healthy in the Jackson community. The donation will benefit CPCAN’s fatherhood program.

Karen Hawley, Baker College Spring Tea chair, explained that the tea’s success is due to the commitment of many community members.

“Everyone works hard to do their part,” she said. “Our planning committee includes 10 women business leaders who are committed to helping support local charities as well as presenting a fun event.

“With a major college offering the venue and many other support services, we’ve been able to create a wonderful tradition over 15 years that has raised more than $100,000 for area charities.”

Hawley thanked Comerica Bank for sponsoring the catered luncheon this year, which allowed 100 percent of the ticket revenue to go to the fundraiser. Many other businesses and community members donated money, prizes and their time.

Sen. Mike Shirkey and Rep. Earl Poleski kicked off the tea by singing a duet of “God Bless America.” They then joined about 10 other male community leaders to volunteer as servers for the luncheon that was attended by approximately 120 people.

“This was my rookie year as a server,” said Steve Simpson, Ed.D., who became Baker College of Jackson president in 2015. “It was definitely fun and amazing to observe the dedicated community throughout the entire process. We’re honored to help support the Jackson community in this way.”

The table-decorating theme this year was “Celebrating Fatherhood,” which tied into the designated charity. The People’s Choice table winners were JTV, first place, and two tables sponsored by the Jackson Symphony Guild took second and third places.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It serves more than 23,000 students on multiple campuses and online. Baker College grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 100 programs across diverse academic fields, including business, health sciences, engineering, information technology, education and human services. An impressive 97 percent of available graduates are employed. Every Baker College graduate receives Lifetime Employment Assistance—free and forever. Baker College is a pioneer in distance education and offers students the option of completing a degree 100 percent online, without ever visiting a campus. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.

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