Winter 2024
By Saul Wisnia
Jimmy Fund Vice President Suzanne Fountain retired in August after nearly 37 years overseeing grassroots fundraising for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. During her storied career, Fountain has represented the Jimmy Fund at thousands of community events, mentored dozens of fundraising professionals, developed multi-generational relationships with families and supporters, and raised the bar of fundraising under the banner of the Jimmy Fund. Under her leadership, the Jimmy Fund has grown from a small number of events that generated about $1 million annually to a world-class, community fundraising pipeline for the Institute.
When she was hired by then-Jimmy Fund Chairman Mike Andrews in 1987, his staff numbered five. Fountain began traveling across New England to design and help run events, and Andrews quickly found her indispensable.
“Even if we can’t make someone better ourselves, grassroots fundraising is something we can do to support loved ones, cancer care, and research.”
Suzanne Fountain
“Without question, Suzanne was the greatest hire I ever made,” Andrews reflects. “We created so many events that are still going on today, and we grew with them. Suzanne was and is a star.”
Indeed, many of today’s hallmark grassroots events were launched during Fountain’s tenure, from the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk and Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge to the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon. Others that were already established, like the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl®, Jimmy Fund Golf, and Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), have reached new heights. Her dedication to Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund was recognized on a larger scale in 2022 when she received the Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Massachusetts Chapter.
When not developing events, Fountain has often participated in them—including riding in the PMC, running the Falmouth Road Race, and driving a cart at Jimmy Fund Golf tournaments. And while she may be officially off the clock, she will continue to be involved as a volunteer and participant.
“There is a profound sense of pride and accomplishment for staff and volunteers who take part,” said Fountain, on what makes grassroots fundraising so special. “It’s an opportunity to give back and thank the place where they work or where they or their loved ones received the best care possible. Even if we can’t make someone better ourselves, grassroots fundraising is something we can do to support loved ones, cancer care, and research.”