HOLLY, Mich., – Nov. 8, 2012 – Rose Hill Center, a residential rehabilitation facility for adults with mental illness, has named Robert E.Baker as its 2013 Distinguished Volunteer. Baker, a Bloomfield Hills retired automotive executive, will be honored this month at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Detroit Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day celebration. 

“I’m humbled by the honor,” Baker says. “I believe in giving back. I believe in helping the sick and the needy. It’s something that we all need to do.”

Baker has served as corporate secretary for Rose Hill Center’s board for the past 23 years and also for the Rose Hill Center Foundation since its inception in 2003. He has chaired several committees at the center and helps raise money to support therapeutic programs at its 412-acre Holly campus. 

Baker will receive his award at a local National Philanthropy Day dinner, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Detroit Chapter on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the downtown Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.

The annual event honors the outstanding contributions of volunteers, philanthropists and fundraising professionals that enrich the southeast Michigan community. Distinguished Volunteers are nominated by local organizations in recognition of the time and energy they have regularly devoted to improve the operational and fundraising capabilities of these groups. 

“Bob’s influence and leadership have helped shape Rose Hill and its programs. His decisions related to our financial well-being and operational efficiency have helped secure Rose Hill’s future,” said Ben Robinson, the center’s president. “His genuine concern for people with mental illness is always first and foremost.”

Baker is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the advisory board of the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center. For 20 years Baker served as chairman of The Wellness Plan, an inner-city health maintenance organization, and was also a member of the board of Detroit's Sacred Heart Major Seminary for 17 years.

About the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Detroit Chapter

Association of Fundraising Professionals, the only association representing the entire fundraising profession, fosters the development and growth of fundraising professionals to preserve and enhancephilanthropy and volunteerism, and to promote the highest ethical standards in the fundraising profession worldwide. The Greater Detroit AFP has more than 250 members from seven counties in southeast Michigan and offers the best networking opportunities, an unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards, and the most exciting and cutting-edge educational and professional advancement opportunities. Member support efforts focus on exciting monthlyeducational programs and special events throughout the year. These include Professional Advancement Day, Diversity Day, National Philanthropy Day, dynamic professional advancement seminars, and other great networking opportunities.

About Rose Hill Center

Rose Hill Center, established in 1992, provides a highly effective residential rehabilitation program for adults with mental illness. It was founded on the belief that recovery can take place when people receive professional psychiatric care, participate in meaningful daily activity, and engage in their own treatment program. Residents are guided through a therapeutic program that helps them manage their symptoms and provides them with an opportunity to achieve their highest level of independence. The center’s therapeutic work programs, including a well-established horticulture program, are essential to its mission. For more information, click www.rosehillcenter.org or call (248) 634-5530.

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