Thomas and Diane Baklik Family Fund

Walk into The Yankee Clipper, and you’ll know right away Tom Baklik is a gregarious, joyful and positive-energy person who is always working on behalf of some cause. His barbershop, now a fixture in Seymour, isn’t just a place for a haircut, it’s a community hub where stories are told, laughter echoes, and friendships deepen. It’s a place that embodies everything Tom loves about the Valley -- a strong sense of belonging, neighbors looking out for one another, and a deep pride in the community he’s always called home.

In 2024, Tom and his wife, Diane, established the Thomas and Diane Baklik Family Fund at the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) to support organizations that have touched their hearts throughout their lives, such as The Recreation Camp in Derby and the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. Their donor-advised fund allows them flexibility, during their lifetimes, to support other causes as well. 

“The Valley has given me so much, and this is a way to give back,” Tom said. “These organizations have been part of my life since I was a kid, and I want to make sure they continue to be there for future generations.”

Tom, a lifelong Derby native who built his business and raised a family in this small city, never lost sight of the values that make this community special. Diane, who spent 35 years as a dedicated teacher at Derby High School, shares that same commitment to the Valley. Together, they’ve made giving back a way of life. 

Tom’s legendary barbershop at his home, The Yankee Clipper, was originally in Derby for 30 years before he moved it to Seymour 25 years ago to “retire.” 

“You don’t just go to Tom’s for a haircut, you go for the camaraderie, the conversation, and the stories,” said Sharon Closius, VCF’s President and CEO. “Tom has created a space where the Valley comes together, and his generosity extends far beyond his shop.”

That generosity is evident in the many ways Tom and Diane give back. They host multiple fundraisers each year to support local causes including their famous Yankee Clipper Annual Christmas Breakfast, where hundreds of people come to kick-off the holiday season and bring toys for TEAM’s Toys 4 Kids program.

“Tom and Diane’s fund will be their legacy to the Valley,” Closius said. “It’s a reflection of who they are, deeply rooted in the Valley, passionate about community, and always ready to help. Their impact and their fund will be felt for generations to come.”