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Recent Events
2009 Opening Doors Celebration
Planting Seeds and Singing Songs
On November 12, 2009, Baxter hosted its sixth annual Opening Doors Celebration, which took place for the first time at the JW Marriot in downtown Grand Rapids. The event commemorated Baxter’s 40th anniversary with the theme of Planting Seeds and Singing Songs, celebrating four decades of faithful service and looking forward to an exciting future of continued growth and rejoicing. The 40th Anniversary documentary video offered a glimpse into the past (follow the 40th Anniversary link at the bottom of the page to view the video online), and Baxter’s hopeful future was anticipated by the official announcement of the 40th Anniversary Initiative and its Proctor Endowment, Rooftop Green House Project and Emergent Needs Fund.
The event honored the 2009 St. Francis Award Honorees, Denny Hoekstra and Rosie Saverson-Hair, two individuals who have faithfully, passionately and humbly planted seeds and sung songs in the Baxter neighborhood for decades. The celebration also featured a silent auction, dinner and short program. The Royal Kingdom Chorale offered joyful music to open and close the evening, the Mizizi Maji Mentoring Program highlighted the story and poetry of recent program graduate Anthony Taylor and Mistress of Ceremonies Reverend Angela Taylor-Perry sprinkled the evening with Spirit-filled words of hope.
Once again, we reflect joyfully on an evening of community, celebration and the casting of vision for the future. We are thankful for the presence of all of you who joined us and the many who gave generously so that we can keep our doors open as we move into a new year -- and the beginning of another four decades of service to God and to our neighbors!
“My favorite part of mentoring is that we always learn something new.”
- Maleeka Conley, Mentoring Student
“The mentoring program has helped me to break down the stereotypes that I harbored without even knowing it…”
- Anne Cassard, Mentor
“I choose to be a mentor because I think it’s important that our kids have role models and support…”
- Shayon Smith, Mentor
“Women getting together and accomplishing something is really one of the best parts…”
- Nancy Barnhart, Threads Teacher since 2000
“The Threads project provides students with self esteem. It tells them, ‘You can do something if you put your mind to it.’”
- Erica Millbrook, Threads Project Coordinator
“The best part of coming to Baxter is sewing class. I get to make my creations.”
- Ivory, Threads Student
“Beyond serving obvious physical needs in the community, people know they can count on Baxter…”
- Tammy Beckering, Volunteer
“I know that if I have an emergency, I can just walk through the door, and someone is there to help me.”
- Mrs. Willa Alexander, Adult Clinic Client
“We cherish [our son's] safety and security while we are at work and he is being cared for at Baxter Child Care.”
- Luke and Andrea Robinson, Child Development Center Parents
“Baxter offers their children nurturing care to help them feel safe and secure, and a planned curriculum to engage them in learning.”
- Jennifer Griffith, Kent County Regional 4C
“If I could choose one word to describe this environment, it would be ‘friendly.’”
- Michelle Mitchell, Marketplace Pantry Client
“This has transformed the way I spend money. Now I know that everything under heaven belongs to God.”
- Hazel Lewis, Freedom in Your Finances Class Participant
“What I love most about volunteering at the Marketplace is working with the people. ”
- Amber Hora, Marketplace Volunteer