By Maureen Kearney & Betsy Robertson

For the past 16 years, Becky Fontaine has facilitated and overseen millions of dollars’ worth of individual, corporate and foundation gifts to the American Red Cross. When she retires in April 2025, it will be as a Regional Philanthropy Officer who left an unforgettable mark on not only her colleagues, and an oversized impact on the individuals served by the Red Cross mission.

Becky has lived in Tacoma all her life. In college, she majored in Psychology, Counseling, and Assessment. While counseling ultimately did not interest her, people and relationships did. After graduation, she accepted a fundraising role with a local nonprofit where she served for the next 18 years. "Fundraising is all about trust in relationships," she says.

After nearly two decades, she sensed a shift in that organization’s direction and culture that no longer matched her own. That’s when she began searching for a new opportunity. A friend referred her to the American Red Cross.

"I took the position because it was a trusted name, my son was a part of the Red Cross, and I knew the area," Becky recalls.

It was the start of a new chapter, working with local sponsors and donors, like Boeing and Biomedical Services. With each new partner, Becky takes the time to build a relationship and establish trust. "It may be just a phone call or two or three contacts weekly. I love fundraising because I work as part of a team: it's like being part of a family.”

She also likes being able to connect donors with a clear mission. 

When the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign launched in 2014 it quickly became a focus for her and the greater Northwest Region. Through partnerships, the generosity of donors and community volunteer events, thousands of smoke alarms have been installed in at-risk homes in the Northwest Region, making homes and families safer from the threat of a home fire.

"Fundraising enables the Red Cross to prepare for, hopefully prevent and when needed, take action in response to disasters, locally and nationally. It’s been an honor to support events like the recent fires in Los Angeles and also internationally, by sending aid to try and alleviate the devastation occurring in Ukraine."

Over the years, Becky's gift for fundraising on behalf of the Red Cross mission has enabled the collection of lifesaving blood and provided food, shelter, relief supplies and emotional support after disasters. Dollars raised also helped deliver training in CPR, first aid, and water safety.

So, after 16 years, Becky says, "I want to spend time with my husband, family, and five grandchildren. "She will be missed by colleagues in fundraising and throughout the organization.

Megan Snow, a fellow fundraiser and director of corporate partnerships, calls her impact immeasurable: “Becky’s spirit of service and compassion for all of those served by the Red Cross demonstrated every day who she is – a true humanitarian.”

“Becky is a powerhouse, we're going to have our work cut out for us keeping the momentum she's built," says Chris Von Seele, chief operating officer for the Northwest Region.

In addition to her formal role connecting the generosity of our donors and businesses with our work, Chris notes that Becky also initiated and led ongoing conversations on how to be better partners with our tribal neighbors.

Of course, there were also a few other duties as assigned. “I've had the pleasure of working shoulder to shoulder with her, tidying more attics and basements than I care to remember,” said Chris.  

Finally, Megan expresses a sentiment shared by all and often the case with dedicated humanitarians like Becky Fontaine, saying “we will miss seeing her every day, but I have no doubt her commitment to our mission will continue after her retirement.” 

Congratulations, Becky! Thank you for all you have done.