Team Baker Announces the Iditarod Season with an Appreciation for Supporter and Friends

The Iditarod Season was formally launched Team Baker, a tightknit network of friends organized by John’s brothers and sisters.  A huge gala with food, featured speakers, off the wall humor, invited Iditarod volunteers, sponsors, mushers and friends is staged annually at the Millenium by the Team to thank supporters.

Andy Baker, ITC president welcomes friendss to Team Baker Event

Evolving thru John’s sixteen years as an Iditarod musher, the Team Baker concept has become not only just a raucous support group for John, but a solid institution for the Baker family.

Initially, John’s brothers and sister organized Team Baker just as a way to bring the family together every March and focus on helping John’s mushing adventure.  Quickly, however, John and family saw the organization as a way to give back to their supporters, and particularly to their roots in the Eskimo community north of the Yukon.

Many projects, mostly educational, have been funded through the efforts of Team Baker.  Personally, I am very familiar with John’s program to encourage young people to pursue education and commit to goals.   His very articulated program Dream, Try, Win is presented by John throughout NW Alaska.  Through the support of his sponsors, family, and friends, the concept of pursuing goals has become a philosophical mainstay in villages through the NW.

I travelled with John to several schools, work places, and community gatherings this past summer and was immediately impressed with the sophistication of the message and the impact.   I joked with John that I was even buying into the program at my advanced irretrievable age.  But, it was true, and it honestly prompted me to evaluate my own goals and values.  I am sure his message effected others equally.   You can find out more about Dream, Try, Win at John’s website.

THE EVENING

volunteers check in

This year’s event was a packed affair, with NO spare seating, standing room only.  Find a few photos that suggest the crowded venue at the third floor of the Millenium Hotel.  Jake Adams, one of the most influential thinkers and planners in the NW Alaska community and a close friend of John and family, delivered the final commentary with a few good laughs at John’s expense.  The message was the value of friendship, common goals, and the resulting benefit for both individuals and the group.

john with snickers and team

Volunteers and friends in the Millenium lobby

For your information

Find Snickers in the parking lot with John, blending anonymously into the pack of huskies.  When the dogs come out in the parking lot, it’s as if a green light illuminates—“check out John Baker’s team.”

Close up of Snickers, leader of record setting team