A fundraiser to support the husband and children of a popular teacher who died unexpectedly last month is set for July 13 in Fort Langley.
Friends of Nicola Baker’s husband, Sean – of the Langley Animal Protection Society which operates the Patti Dale Animal Shelter – are hosting the burger-and-beer event at the Taphouse & Eatery, located at 9143 Glover Rd.
Baker, a mother of four, died in her sleep on June 6 at the age of 38.
Her death left a huge hole for students and staff at Earl Marriott Secondary, where she was described as a “brilliant teacher and brilliant person,” who truly got through to her students. One Grade 12 student described Baker as “one of the few people I knew that genuinely cared about doing right by those who depended on her.”
Jasmine Marjanovic, a longtime supporter of LAPS, said many who know and care for Sean Baker didn’t know how they could help.
“Sean has spent so much of his life helping others, this fundraiser is a way to give back to him,” said Marjanovic, who spearheaded the fundraiser.
Township Mayor Jack Froese, who adopted his two cats from LAPS, is helping to organize the event.
“Sean has done so much for the community, this is our way of supporting him,” said Froese.
Sean Baker was in his 20s when he joined LAPS and the PDAS, and used his own credit card to buy the first vehicle for the shelter that now flourishes under his direction.
He was key in designing, fundraising and bringing the new shelter building to Langley.
LAPS animal welfare manager Jayne Nelson said the tragedy has struck the close-knit work family hard.
“This fundraiser is our way to show Sean he is loved and supported,” she said.
There will be three seatings for dinner at next week’s event: 4-6 p.m., 6-8 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. Tickets, $100, include a beer or glass of wine, and may be purchased at the Taphouse & Eatery, JD Farms or the Patti Dale Animal Shelter. Cheques can be made out to Sean Baker.
Proceeds will benefit an education fund for the Bakers’ four children.
Donations may also be made here, a webpage created by TinyKittens founder Shelly Roche to support the family.
Roche has worked closely with Baker on projects including fundraising to build a facility for feral cats in the community.