Feed the Community: Honor John Baker's Tradition

Howdy yall,

My name is Michael Allen and I'm raising money to carry on John Bakers yearly tradition of a pay what you can lunch for the community. I had met John through his son Alec, whom I've been friends with since 3rd grade. Alec's parents were always super involved in our Faubion elementary, and Henry middle school communities. Whether it be his dads involvement in the athletics program, or his moms involvement in our PTA, the example the Bakers set for what parent support looks like was always above and beyond.

The focus of this will be about Johns story, and how I and the rest of the Bakers Brisket legacy team want to carry on what John meant to and did for the community. John Baker was probably the hardest working man I have ever met. When you picture a passion project, that is exactly what Bakers Brisket was to John Baker, he simply did it for the love of the game. Along side that passion for cooking great BBQ, John sought to better his community. Him and his son Alec quickly grew Bakers into the most loved BBQ spot in Lago Vista, Texas. Johns willingness to sacrifice his own needs for the betterment of others left a profound imprint on me that ill carry for the rest of my life.

That brings me to the pay what you can benefit lunch. Twice a year our team would host a pay what you can during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The goal was simple, feed hungry mouths. It didn't matter who you were, what you did, how much money you made, If you needed a meal, you come and grab one. The process of preparing for these kinds of things really sucks. We start prepping 2-3 days before cooking more a lot more than we usually do, trading off who sleeps for an hour or two and its all sweaty and labor intensive, needless to say this endeavor was full of pain, sweat, and tears, However, the feeling I got handing out that first plate while being sleep deprived and exhausted is something that I will never forget. That feeling of delayed gratification made that process of preparation horribly excellent.

Sadly, John Baker passed away in January of this year, but what he represented to me and the community will never die. I'm happy to say that the legacy Bakers team will be hosting our annual pay what you can lunch this year at the A&M Church of Christ. We're aiming to raise about $8,000 to feed 500-700 hungry mouths, along with sending as many families in need home with BBQ inspired thanksgiving dinners for the Thanks Giving Holiday. Funds will be used to purchase materials such as briskets, turkeys, and distribution materials such as plates, utensils, and foil pans.

We will be hosting the benefit lunch on November 26th giving away plates of brisket, turkey with some sides. All money raised with be going to charity and future benefit lunches. Donations of any amount are deeply appreciated, and if you’d like to volunteer, we’re looking for 20–30 helping hands to assist with sides and plate distribution.

If that sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, please fill out this form:

Volunteer Sign-Up https://forms.gle/c3srq65os5iFVa33A

Thank you for keeping this tradition and John’s legacy alive. I hope to see y’all out there.

With gratitude,

Michael Allen