Celebrating 10 years of fund development with Distress Centre’s Roxanne Cote

In tribute to Carol Oliver.

For Distress Centre, the development and on-going successes of the fund development team is essential to achieving our mission of providing compassionate, accessible crisis support that enhances the health, well-being and resiliency of individuals in distress, all at no cost to the individual. It is because of Distress Centre’s dedicated and passionate Resource Development Manager, Roxanne Cote, that Distress Centre can celebrate and reflect on the success of fund development over the past decade.

Fund Development and Roxanne Cote

In June 2008, Roxanne was employed at Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) as the first full-time fund development staff member. Roxanne brought a background of extraordinary work-experiences, an attitude of determination and purpose, and a sincere passion for helping others.

“I came to Distress Centre because I’ve lived through many personal crisis challenges throughout my life,” says Roxanne. “It was an exciting opportunity for me to be able to build a fund development program from ground zero and also to give back to the community. There were many times that I wished I had known about a crisis centre, as it certainly would have helped me. I knew I would utilize all my previous experience in nonprofit, my marketing/sales, and life experiences.”

Although building a fund development structure with limited resources would be a challenge, Roxanne was the perfect candidate for this position and she was strong minded to make it her own.

Before coming to DCC, Roxanne managed her own non-profit consulting business, was the office manager for the Canadian Hot Air Balloon Association, and was an international wedding consultant in Cabo San Lucas. “Every position I’ve had has put me one step closer to where I am now,” said Roxanne.

Roxanne received her primary education from Grande Prairie Regional College in business with specialization in marketing, and later graduated with an undergraduate degree in International Business from the University of Lethbridge, and Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City. Roxanne completed two certificate courses; Mount Royal University and McGill University in International Community Development.

“I believe in being curious about everything and life-long learning. It is essential to learn and grow in life as much as you can,” said Roxanne.

Foundation Building: 2008 – 2011

Between 2008 and 2011, Roxanne focused on building the durable foundation of the fund development department. “One of my first tasks was to choose a donor management program,” Roxanne said. Her second task was to create a three year integrated strategic plan that would span from 2009-2011 and an annual strategic operational plan, while working with a Board committee. Since there was no past history Roxanne turned to research and began to network with like-minded non-profit organizations within Calgary.

During the first few years, Roxanne received mentorship from Carol Oliver, Distress Centre’s Executive Director at the time. Roxanne’s $70,000 goal in year one was surpassed in six months for DCC and she has been integral in accomplishing all future fund development goals. Roxanne takes pride in launching the Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club/ConnecTeen Event, an annual fundraising and awareness campaign event for the ConnecTeen program. She considers it to be her greatest accomplishment in her fund development career.

Challenges and Opportunities: 2011 – 2014

The next three years were exciting for fund development and DCC as a whole with new challenges, opportunities and losses. In September of 2011, Roxanne developed the first Lend An Ear Event, which has become DCC’s annual signature fundraiser.

In 2011, Carol announced her medical leave and in November 2012, Carol passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

“In my 10 year tenure at Distress Centre, I have been blessed to have been hired by Carol Oliver,” said Roxanne.

“She was my mentor, supervisor and someone who truly believed in me and my abilities. She never questioned whether I could or couldn’t do something, but empowered me to always be challenged. She is the reason I was hired and I believe she is still watching over me, giving me strength, courage and direction in my work at Distress Centre. I will be forever grateful to her for allowing me to spread my wings and soar.”

According to Roxanne, 2011-2012 was status quo for DCC.

“When Joan Roy took over as Executive Director in 2013, our agency regained our stability and momentum,” Roxanne said.

In July 2013, Distress Centre contracted Diane Jones Konihowski, as the Director of Fund Development and Communications. In 2014, Lindsay Douglas, Communications Specialist, joined the communications team. Together, they have proven to be a solid, robust team.

Reflection and Success: 2015 – 2018

“On my first day Carol said that the most challenging aspect of her role is to keep me at Distress Centre for a minimum of five years,” said Roxanne. “Even through the many staff, management and leadership changes, the strong foundation for fund development remains resilient with successful outcomes from a lot of hard work and solid relationships.

Working with such compassionate and giving people has been such an honor for me, especially Michelle Wickerson, who was an integral part of the Distress Centre team.”

Roxanne’s network of donors and funders quadrupled in size and the rewards of Roxanne’s hard work and tenacity were having extremely progressive effects. The need for fund development support grew and in 2016, Gulya Taubaldieva was hired as the Fund Development Assistant.

For DCC, having Roxanne has been invaluable and the magnitude of her contributions is endless. The original foundation created for fund development continues to flourish.

“One of Roxanne’s many strengths is her ability to maintain long-term relationships, so that donors keep coming back and supporting Distress Centre year after year.” said Diane.

DCC’s Executive Director, Jerilyn Dressler said, “Roxanne is a highly valued member of the Distress Centre team. She speaks to Distress Centre’s mission, vision and purpose and the critical nature of our services from her heart, with passion and energy. Much of our financial success as an organization can be attributed to Roxanne and the team’s commitment to securing the resources we need to grow and improve our services.”

“Carol inspired me and she is someone I aspire to be like,” said Roxanne. “Being successful in fund development is a lot of things, but you must think outside the box, be strategic, creative, curious, imaginative, bold, willing to take risks, maintain relationships, and LOVE what you do.”

Roxanne’s motto is simple: live, love and laugh!

“There is so much to do in a life time and it’s important for me to give back to community, and learn, grow and experience as much as I can in the time we have,” Roxanne said. “I am looking forward in continuing to promote the essential services of Distress Centre under Jerilyn’s leadership.”

Congratulations on reaching your 10 year milestone Roxanne! You have created a legacy in fund development and Distress Centre wouldn’t be the same without you.

Pictured at the top of the article: Roxanne Cote (right), with Big Daddy Tazz, the keynote speaker of Lend An Ear 2016. Tickets for the 2018 event are now on sale.