Highlights | Transcript | Photos
Dani Baker has always had a plan. At the center of her plan was to create a meaningful and purposeful life – for herself and the communities where she lived. In this episode, Dani shares her journey to the North Country, and the genesis of a sustainable farm on Wellesley Island. She discusses the tragedy of losing her son, Marc, and how it has impacted her giving. Dani also offers personal tenets of philanthropy and what has inspired her to give back to the region.
Participants:
Dani Baker
“The people you meet, the relationships you form when you’re (giving back) are priceless. I think just for that, to get out in the community and volunteer in some fashion, and then helping when you’re in a position financially to help with any kind of worthy cause. Even helping to raise money, that’s very important. And that’s more volunteering, donating your time, rather than your financial assets. But I think that is so essential for the health of the community.”
– Dani Baker
Highlights
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2:05
Cultivating a love for the outdoors
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9:00
The creation of Cross Island Farms on Wellesley Island
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16:40
Honoring the legacy of a son
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20:05
Dani’s reasons for giving and the fulfillment it brings
Transcripts
Click Below to download a pdf of the Audio Transcripts from the podcast.
Photos
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- Cross Island Farms was established in 2006. The sustainable farm is located on 102 acres on Wellesley Island, neighboring the St. Lawrence River.
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- To honor her son, Dani made a charitable gift to the Depauville Free Library. The Marc A.F. Baker Reading Room was established through this generous contribution.
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- The beans are just one example of the organic and all-natural produce cultivated at Cross Island Farms.
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- Dani and her son, Marc, shared a love for the environment. After her son’s passing, Dani made a gift to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry to create the Marc A.F. Baker Laboratory at the Thousand Islands Biological Station along the St. Lawrence River.
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- It’s a labor of love for Dani and her partner, David Belding. They put in many hours each day at Cross Island Farms with no days off.
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- Plenty of winter activities to enjoy in the winter time, including winter kayaking along the St. Lawrence River.
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- Marc Baker, Dani’s deceased son, as a 6 year old, displaying swimming ribbons and metals.
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- Dani and David Belding enjoy some cross-country skiing in Lake Placid.
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- A friendly sign that greets visitors to Cross Island Farms.
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- Dani visits with a local chef who buys produce for his restaurant from Cross Island Farms.
