Steve Baker didn’t know that a donation as a college student would lead to supporting United Way for decades. “I first got involved with United Way during college. I was working at Montgomery Ward (that probably ages me!) and they insisted the employees go to a United Way presentation,” says Steve, who was a student at the University of Northern Colorado at the time. “Well, I went, and as I remember my donation was to the original Envision organization. I thought United Way was a great organization that supported many in Weld County.”
From the days of his first donation to now being United Way leadership givers, the Bakers contribute to help the community through United Way’s five initiative areas. “I’m sure I wasn’t donating a lot, but I remember that I did a payroll deduction to do so,” Steve recalls. “I think it was my first taste of giving support in the community, and it felt pretty good!”
Steve, who is an employing broker and shareholder at Sears Real Estate, and Teresa, a home decorator and mother extraordinaire, believe in United Way’s mission of improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. “We believe that United Way is a vital organization in Weld County,” the Bakers shared. “They do so much, for so many! We are fortunate that our United Way organization is so well supported as there are so many needs that they address.”
The Bakers say that it is important to give back to a community that has given them so much. “The organizations and the people that United Way supports do so much with the support, and they are all critical to our area.” Plus, for Teresa and Steve, being engaged with the Weld County nonprofit infrastructure brings meaning. “We are blessed to be able to give our support, and so thankful for great organizations like United Way that give support to so many.”
What drives and motivates the Bakers to donate to United Way and to give back to their community? “Gratitude. We’re grateful for all that we have, and blessed to be able to support wonderful organizations like United Way. Whatever we give, we get back tenfold from this great community.”
