Jay and Patty Baker
Champions of Community, Culture, and Care
Jay and Patty Baker have lived full-time in Naples since 2000, yet their generosity has long been felt on both national and local stages. Jay—retired co-founder and former president of Kohl’s Department Stores—is also an avid baseball memorabilia collector. Patty is a Tony Award–winning Broadway producer whose passion for the arts has been a lifelong creative and civic pursuit (naplesnews.com) Together, they bring both resources and leadership to the causes they support—embodying a philosophy of hands-on, transformational philanthropy.
In the realm of healthcare, the Bakers’ contributions have been nothing short of transformative. This spring, they gifted $10 million to support the RM Schulze Family Heart and Stroke Critical Care Center at NCH, helping save lives through cutting-edge cardiac and stroke treatment facilities.
Their $20 million matching gift to create the Patty & Jay Baker Pavilion at NCH North Naples Hospital further established world-class orthopedic services in Southwest Florida, elevating local access to care.
Their commitment to community welfare extends beyond medicine. With a $5 million gift—the largest in its history—they helped rename the Humane Society Naples to Patty Baker Humane Society Naples, supporting animal rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary care, and adoption services across Collier County
In the arts, the Bakers were honored with the inaugural Heart of the Arts Award by The Naples Players in February 2025, recognizing their steadfast support and deep personal involvement in advancing performing arts in the region
It’s no surprise that in March 2025, Jay and Patty Baker were named Naples Daily News Outstanding Citizens of the Year. As longtime advocates for local vibrancy, their impact spans Baker Park, the Baker Museum, Baker Senior Center, the Baker Theatre and Education Center, and the NCH Baker Orthopedic Center—each a visible testament to their vision
Their generosity continues to inspire others to invest in Naples’ cultural, educational, and healthcare institutions.