Fashion, Fundraising, and a Rem”ARC”able Citizen

By Crystal Crowell

The Arc of the Bay in Lynn Haven, FL, hosted their 6th Annual Kohl’s Charity Fashion Show on July 22. Students of the Arc were able to shop at Kohl’s prior to the event, choosing their own outfits to model during the fashion show. The event raised over $185,000, with all proceeds benefiting the Arc of the Bay.

Participants and attendees may have been drawn to the event for the fashion, but everyone was surprised with an unscripted award presentation. Prior to the night’s festivities, The Arc of the Bay, successful in their sneaky planning, was able to surprise Amanda Baker with the 2nd Annual Rem“ARC”able Citizen of the Year Award. This award is given to a special someone who dedicates their life to improve the quality of life of individuals, with developmental disabilities.

“I am still stunned and humbled, not only by this wonderful award, but the generous, heartfelt sincerity in which it was given”, said Baker. “It’s so easy to become disillusioned when advocating for disability rights. Sometimes you wonder if you are even making a dent in what seems like an insurmountable issue. An award like this is an amazing reminder that I am making a difference, and I have so many reasons to keep going.”

Baker currently serves as Vice President of the Florida Self Advocates Network, is a former Vice Chair of the Florida Self Advocacy Alliance, and served seven years on the Community Advisory Committee for the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities. She has worked as an Employment Specialist, Public Relations Coordinator, and is a certified Community Work Incentives Coordinator. In 2009, she received the Floridian of the Year Award and, in 2015, the Idelio Valdes Leadership and Self Advocacy Award. Baker has a developmental disability and receives services through APD.


(Photo Left to Right) Arc of the Bay Executive Director Ron Sharpe, Arc of the Bay Adult Day Training Supervisor Debbie Bryan (Amanda’s mom), Arc of the Bay Employment Specialist Crystal Grizzle, Amanda Baker