Civic leaders took turns telling stories about her numerous contributions to the community, including serving in many capacities with the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, Providence Health Systems, San Fernando Valley Region, past board member of the Providence St. Joseph Medical Center and supporter of the Burbank Boys and Girls Club.
City Manager Mary Alvord called her a "super mom" and "super-duper grandmother." "She uses her bibbidi-bobbidi-boo to make an incredible difference in the Burbank community," Alvord said.
Former Chamber of Commerce president Jack O'Neil said Baptie goes beyond the typical contribution to help a charity.
"It's one thing to write a check, but another to be T.J. Baptie and make an impact on so many lives," he said. "You are a friend for a lifetime."
Baptie joined Disney in 1984 as a director of corporate relations responsible for charitable contributions and coordination of company participation in benefit events.
Today, she is vice president of community relations for Disney Worldwide Outreach and is responsible for all community relations activities in Los Angeles County and is executive director of the Walt Disney Co. Foundation, responsible for cash grants, educational matching gifts and the scholarship program for Disney employees.
Baptie was presented the Woman of the Year pin and a donation of $500 will be made to the Burbank Boys and Girls Club in her honor.
The Zonta luncheon raised $9,000, which will go to scholarships for high school seniors, Family Service of Burbank counseling center, literacy programs at the Burbank Public Library and Burbank Police Department for teddy bears for frightened children. Disney also donated $5,000 toward the club's scholarship program.
Past Women of the Year attending were Julia Larsen, 2000; Mary Alice O'Connor, 2003; and Mary Jane Strickland, 2002. Louise Penn, former Zonta president from 1962, was also introduced.
20051112iptj92knJOYCE RUDOLPH The Leader(LA)T.J. Baptie, center, is congratulated as the Women of the Year, by officials of the Zonta Club of Burbank Area, luncheon chairwoman Nickie Bonner, left, and President Donna Anderson.
