Marian intercession notwithstanding, the success of Baker’s enterprises came from one practical development. Namely, an entrepreneurial spirit that arguably created America’s direct mail fundraising model.
Father Baker stanched the initial demand from credits using a mixture of his own capital — both monetary and social, from his time running a local feed store. With some time bought, Father Baker realized he needed funders. He had a name for his proto-giving society, the Association of Our Blessed Lady of Victory, but he had no donors. And so, he made a list.
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