Andrew Baker Memorial Fund

07.12.2021 - Kanuga Stories

At the request of family and friends, Kanuga is receiving funds to create a memorial to honor Patrick Andrew Livingston Baker (October 27, 1994-April 16, 2021).

Patrick “Andrew” Baker began attending youth week conferences in 2007 and served on JYP, SYP, and Winterlight staff. Kanuga served as a big brother to Andrew and his sister and he never missed the opportunity to be present while in this thin place. Andrew strove to be himself no matter the scenario and a huge part of his carefree spirit was developed right here at Kanuga. Andrew shared his many gifts with this community by way of dancing, leading endless hikes with his unbound energy, and spreading joy and kindness through his unparalleled sense of self and awareness as a child of God. Andrew walked through life with great purpose, to spread love to others. May we be great stewards of the light he shone so brightly to all.

To help celebrate Andrew, funds raised will be used as follows, depending on the amount raised:

Name a trail leading to Long Rocks in his memory ($5,000)

Place a bench, in his name, along the Andrew Baker trail to invite respite and prayer ($2,000)

Place a photograph and brief biography of Andrew in the Kanuga Inn Lobby so that people will know about the person for whom the trail is named.

Establish a scholarship fund for people to attend Youth Week or Winterlight.

Please join in celebrating a remarkable child of God by giving what you are able. If $100,000 or more is raised, an endowment fund will be created and only the income from this fund will be used each year. If a lesser amount is raised, the funds will be used until depleted. The beneficiary will embody Andrew’s characteristics of inclusivity, with special consideration for those from under-served areas so that we can continue to share our beloved thin space with more people.

Commitments may be paid over a three-year period.

Gifts may be made at Kanuga.org/Giving, and placing “Andrew Baker Fund” in the comment box.

Or you may send a check to:
Kanuga Camps and Conferences
130 Kanuga Chapel Drive
Hendersonville, NC 28739

A Prayer for Andrew, from Kanuga Empowered Youth (KEY):

God of love and light 

we give you thanks and praise 

for the gift and blessing of Andrew 

in our lives. His infectious spirit was clearly the manifestation of your Spirit. 

Ever in motion, Andrew’s endless 

enthusiasm for life filled all our lives 

with joy and laughter. 

As Andrew now dances with the angels, may we spread his love and embrace others with the sweetness of his hugs. Let us give thanks today and evermore for the gift of Andrew 

in each of our lives. 

AMEN.