When the Palisades Burned, He Made Sure the Children Didn’t Fall Behind: Time for Change Foundation Honors Rick Baker with the Humanitarian Award
SAN BERNARDINO, CA — April 7, 2026 — When the Palisades Fire tore through communities and displaced thousands of families, most people watched from a distance. Rick Baker asked one question: what do the children need?
Within days he was ensuring displaced students could still get to school, had access to meals, and had the supplies they needed to keep learning while everything around them was in chaos. No press release. No fanfare. Just someone who saw a gap and stepped into it.
That instinct is not new for Rick Baker. It is who he has always been.
By day, Rick is a Wealth Management Advisor with three decades of experience, leading Rick Baker, Nguyen & Associates — headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in Century City, California — and serving a broad portfolio of ultra-high-net-worth clients across the United States. Named to the 2025 and 2024 Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors list and the 2026 and 2025 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams, his professional accolades are considerable.
But it is what Rick does beyond the boardroom that defines him.
He has served on boards ranging from The Rainforest Foundation to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He played a key role in creating permanent tributes to civil rights icons John Lewis and Xernona Clayton. He funds the Rick Baker College Scholarship for graduating high school students in his hometown of Crossville, Alabama. And he has earned recognition including the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Bank of America’s David Brady Community Service Award, and multiple Global Diversity & Inclusion Awards — honors that reflect a career spent using influence as a tool for impact.
On Friday, April 24, 2026, Time for Change Foundation will present Rick Baker with the Humanitarian Award at its 24th Annual Awards Gala, Anchored in Promise, Powered by Purpose.
“Rick Baker sees a need and he moves. No hesitation, no spotlight required. From civil rights tributes to college scholarships to making sure displaced children didn’t miss a single day of learning during the Palisades Fire — his commitment to humanity is consistent, courageous, and deeply personal. We are honored to recognize him.” — Dr. Vanessa Perez Trang, Executive Director, Time for Change Foundation
Other honorees this year include:
- Julie Castro Abrams — Women’s Global Impact Award
- Bobbi Kristina Serenity House — Beacon of Hope Award
- Damon & Felicia Alexander — Dynamic Duo Award
- Marci Coffey — Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award
- Dr. Jason Lohr, MD — Nancy Varner Angel Award
The gala begins at 6:00 PM. Formal attire is requested. Individual tickets are $200, with sponsorship packages available from $5,000 to $25,000. Tickets, sponsorships, and program advertising can be purchased at the 2026 Gala Event Page.
ABOUT TIME FOR CHANGE FOUNDATION Time for Change Foundation empowers communities toward economic prosperity and holistic well-being by establishing housing and economic development as the foundation every person needs to reach their fullest potential. Since its inception, TFCF has helped more than 5,300 individuals achieve selfsufficiency and houses 250 families annually across its programs. Learn more at www.timeforchangefoundation.org.
