Our signature fundraising event will be An Evening of Unity, A Cocktail Party with Purpose where we will honor Walter Thorne and John Baackes, exceptional individuals who help make life better.
Founders Award: John Baackes, Chief Executive Officer of L.A. Care Health Plan
John Baackes became acquainted with Unity House early on, when he was introduced to the late Mary Jane Smith, a founder of Unity House, along with Regis Obijiski, and Peter Callaghan.
As the first volunteer, John was put to work immediately, shoveling trash out of a stairwell on Eighth Street in Troy. It was at a dilapidated building the seller was practically giving away and which became Unity House. Since then, John Baackes has continued to serve, at Unity House and elsewhere, offering his time, expertise, and financial support to many.
In the early days of Unity House, when resources were scarce and Unity House was a grassroots group, John helped with just about everything that needed doing. He helped promote services for people in need and helped bring in talented people who were as passionate as he was about the mission of Unity House. He and his former wife, the late Kathryn Allen, became steadfast supporters.
John is not a professional artist, but you wouldn’t know it judging by the artwork he created for Unity House. He designed the first brochures, fundraising invitations, and most important, the first logo, which has become iconic. It was fitting when, 50 years later, John stepped up again to design a special logo for Unity House’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
Since 1971 Unity House has grown. The building on 8th Street that John helped open is still in use. It was key at the start of the pandemic when Unity House had to quickly alter service delivery to create safer spaces. Today the building is being rehabbed to serve as housing. We are grateful to John Baackes for 5+ decades of support. John has been an inspiring example of giving back.
John Baackes is the CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan. An active volunteer, John serves as Chairman of the Board for Charles Drew University. He sits on the boards of America’s Health Insurance Plans, California Association of Health Plans, Local Health Plans of California, Project Angel Food, and Urban Voices Project.
John Baackes truly exemplifies the spirit of the Unity House Founders Award, serving as an example and inspiration. We are thrilled to present John Baackes with Unity House’s Founders Award.
Community Hero: Walter Thorne, Market President and Publisher of the Albany Business Review
Walter Thorne is the market president and publisher of the Albany Business Review. He joined the Business Review in 2019 as advertising director and was promoted to President in July 2021. Walter Thorne brings over 30 years of sales and leadership experience to the Albany Business Review where he leads a talented team that is responsible for implementing strategies that help customers grow their business, advance their career, and simplify their professional life.
Prior to joining ABR, Walter held sales-focused positions with JDOG Junk Removal, Advance Media, and Albany Broadcasting Company and was self-employed for 28 years working for Rex Air Inc., selling Rainbow Vacuum cleaners door to door.
Walter Thorne’s passion is to give back to the community by coaching and mentoring professionals in today’s unrest. He combines a unique perspective of empathy, accountability, and awareness to help people work toward structural changes, guiding organizations to new levels in an uncertain time.
Walter Thorne grew up in Wappingers Falls, NY and studied music and business at Wagner College. He is a classically trained opera singer – trained in six languages – and an avid bowler. He serves on the boards of the Albany Black Chamber, Albany Can Code, the Capital Region Chamber, CEG and The Community Foundation for the Capital Region. He also volunteers his time as a mentor through Capital Region P-TECH and the SEAT Center.
People like Walter Thorne who share their expertise and mentorship are essential. Walter’s active role in championing – and challenging- the Capital Region are essential to the business community and non-profit sector of that community. We are thrilled to present Walter Thorne with Unity House’s Community Hero Award.
RSVP
Join the honorary committee, step up for sponsorship, or purchase tickets via this secure link.
Questions? Please call events coordinator Moira Geracitano at (518) 274-2607 x4135 or reach out at mgeracitano@unityhouseny.org