Volunteering, Collaboration, and Making a Difference With Tom Baker

Tom Baker is the CEO of Variety the Children's Charity (of Pittsburgh), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children with disabilities through adaptive equipment and inclusion programs. With over 15 years of leadership experience in nonprofit organizations, including North Hills Community Outreach and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Tom has focused on creating programs that transform lives. A lifelong volunteer and advocate, he has mentored youth, served on multiple nonprofit boards, and authored a book encouraging young professionals to engage in community service.

In this episode…

What inspires someone to dedicate their life to empowering others? For those who lead with generosity, their impact often extends far beyond individual actions, creating ripples of hope and transformation in their communities. How can we each find ways to give back and make a difference?

According to Tom Baker, a lifelong volunteer and community leader, the key lies in starting where you are and focusing on the causes you care about. He explains that generosity doesn’t require wealth or influence but a willingness to act. By connecting with organizations, joining boards, or supporting collaborative efforts, individuals can create meaningful change in ways both big and small. He emphasizes that collaboration between nonprofits can amplify impact, encouraging organizations to “collaborate, not compete” to serve the community better. These partnerships foster innovative programs, expand resources, and create opportunities to touch more lives.

In this episode of You Can’t Take it With You, Jim Dunlop sits down with Tom Baker, CEO of Variety the Children's Charity (of Pittsburgh), to discuss the transformative power of volunteering, building community through collaboration, and creating opportunities for children with disabilities. Together, they explore Tom's personal generosity journey, the impact of Variety’s innovative programs, and how partnerships amplify impact.