Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
August 27, 2024
>> Lauren Baker (center) with DJ Temo and MOCA Director of Development Gabrielle Dean-Rector at MOCA's Centennial Gala
MOCA is thrilled to congratulate Lauren Baker for being recognized as the First Coast’s Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals! In addition to being a key member of MOCA's Board of Trustees, Lauren served as chair of our Centennial Gala, hosted fundraisers on behalf of the museum, and volunteers with other local nonprofits.
Baker's initial interest in supporting MOCA as a Trustee came from her love of contemporary art, MOCA, and the City of Jacksonville. In the beginning, she thought her role would include supporting ongoing exhibitions, making exciting acquisitions, and ensuring the board was mindful of the museum's mission. But as she settled into her position, Baker thought MOCA should play a bigger role in growing Jacksonville's reputation as a hub for art and cultural experiences. This influenced her to step up during MOCA's 100th anniversary and help the museum celebrate a monumental year.
"Following in the footsteps of the incredible women before me, I held myself to very high standards. When I agreed to Chair the MOCA's Centennial Gala, I wanted us to not only reach our lofty goals but surpass them. Not just our financial goals but the number of people in attendance. I wanted the community to have MOCA in the forefront of their minds when they think of Jacksonville and its significance in the community. It was also my hope that through this and other endeavors, we could grow a collective of other civically minded community members to usher the museum into its next 100 years," says Baker. "Through lunches, a fundraising dinner, and the Gala, I think we have achieved some of those goals. Of course, we still have work to do. My goal is for people both nationally and perhaps internationally to recognize the priority we have placed on the importance of art as a vehicle to enrich the lives of everyone in our community and to consider MOCA and the City of Jacksonville a priority destination. I am so happy and honored to be a part of it!"