ERA Press Release
August 30, 2022
Contact: Clare Kluck / ERA Communications Director / ckluck@era.org
ERA’s Empire Chapter Raises $35,000 for Local Domestic Violence Shelter at its Annual Golf Tournament
The Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is proud to announce that the Empire ERA Chapter raised $35,000 at its Aug 1., 2022, Julie Baker Memorial Golf Tournament to donate to the Willow Domestic Violence Center in Rochester, N.Y.
Julie Baker, an engineer who worked in electronic component sales for GMA, was tragically taken by an act of domestic violence in 2020. Baker was a Board member of the Empire ERA chapter and helped plan the annual Empire ERA golf tournaments. She left behind three daughters, Claire, Jill and Paige. She loved to garden and enjoyed live music.
“We are overwhelmed and grateful for the outpouring of support this tournament received to allow us to make this large donation to an important cause,” said Laura Senn-Sanborn, president of the Empire ERA chapter. “Thank you to all the attendees for playing, contributing, having fun, shedding a few tears, and sharing many laughs and memories with us.”
“This tournament, renamed and rededicated in Julie’s honor, further supports her legacy with this substantial contribution,” said Patrick Coyne, vice president of membership and communications of Empire ERA chapter.
Willow Domestic Violence Center has provided services for the Greater Rochester community for over 40 years. Willow’s mission is to prevent domestic violence and ensure every survivor has access to the services and supports needed along the journey to a safe and empowered life. Their vision is a community free from domestic violence, where healthy relationships thrive.
In a video on the official Julie Baker Memorial Tournament Instagram page, Baker’s daughter Claire says: “While we never could’ve imagined losing our mom to an act of domestic violence, Willow inspires us to take action. Our future plans include establishing a foundation to honor both of our parents, Julie and Dick Baker. Today our mom’s legacy lives on and we can’t thank you enough for your support.”
More pictures and videos of the golf tournament can be found on Instagram at @juliebaker_memorialgolf.
About the Willow Domestic Violence Center
Willow Domestic Violence Center offers a range of emergency and non-emergency support services, including a 24/7 domestic violence hotline, emergency shelter for women and children, safety planning, court accompaniment, short-term counseling and support, and support groups. All of its services are free and confidential. Find out more: https://willowcenterny.org/.
About Empire ERA
The Empire Chapter of the Electronics Representatives Association is dedicated to promoting and protecting the manufacturers’ representative function within the Upstate New York electronics marketplace. The Chapter is a resource for its members. It provides support for establishing and maintaining the representative function through continuing education, networking events and promoting the rep function. Find out more: http://empireera.org/.