Philanthropic Initiatives
Rodney Baker and the team at Hot Rod Connects are committed to making the world a better place through charitable and philanthropic initiatives.
Mr. Parrish is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and owner of 30+ McDonald’s restaurants in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Mr. Rodney Baker was instrumental in coordinating this Project 16 interview with Lady Jade of K-104 in Dallas, Texas.
Mr. Parrish was presented with the Heart of the City Award for the 2nd Annual Local Love Awards hosted by Lady Jade – Founder of Project 16.
Become a sponsor for the next Roland Parrish Celebrity Golf Tournament happening on Friday, September 10, 2021, at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, Texas. Proceeds from the Classic will be used to provide scholarships for students in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Have fun playing golf and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your sponsorship is helping to make a positive difference in the lives of deserving students.
Von Miller – Super Bowl 50 Champion & MVP
The very first Von Miller Day came after Von was named Super Bowl 50 MVP and given the highest contract for a defender in NFL history.
April 16, 2016, was declared as Von Miller Day by the Mayor of Desoto, Texas, and since its inception, Rodney Baker has served as the coordinator for the entire event.
The purpose of the event is two-fold: to serve the community of Von’s hometown and to raise money for his foundation, Von’s Vision.
The mission of Von’s Vision is to provide low-income children in Denver with the eyecare and corrective eyewear they need to be their best.
When Texas native LaDainian Tomlinson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 5, 2017, Mr. Baker served as the primary coordinator and fundraiser for the reception event that followed. Here is yet another example of the high quality production value that Mr. Baker is known for.
Dallas Hyatt Regency Hotel (2018)
Mr. Baker serves as a member of the Board of Directors and the Director of Philanthropy for the Harvey Martin Dream Foundation. The foundation serves to assist marginal students through securing funding to help with their quest for a higher education. Mr. Baker was responsible for coordinating the Scholarship Gala to assist in that mission.
DeAndre Washington’s “Outwork the Competition” youth football camp improves the quality of youth football through skills training and fitness at a young age. The goal of the camp is to instill enriching values, such as teamwork, cooperation, respect, and self-esteem, into the lives of the youth they serve.
In this position, Mr. Baker is responsible for coordinating venues, inviting hosts, and collaborating with corporations to raise money for scholarships.
Partners in Education
Mr. Baker coordinates all community food contributions for elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges, churches, and community organizations. He also serves as the fundraising arm for the organization’s marketing team.
Founded by Super Bowl Champion Everson Walls, Ethos Education Group is a character development program that was designed to improve the educational experience of students by redefining success through a firm understanding of identity and self-value.
Mr. Baker serves as the sole fundraising arm for the organization and has, so far, helped raise over $55,000 for this worthwhile cause.
The role of the foundation is to make a positive impact in the local community by providing mentoring programs for youth in low income neighborhoods. Bay Bay and his team offer programs in Education, Music, and Fitness to the youth they serve. Mr. Baker serves as fundraising arm and development in the foundation.
