Pakis Family Foundation: Reducing Human Suffering, One Life at a Time
For Becky Pierson and Fred Pakis of the Pakis Family Foundation, giving is deeply personal. Their philanthropy is rooted in a simple belief that every effort to reduce human suffering matters.
Their connection with Valleywise Health began in 2020, during one of the most challenging moments in modern healthcare. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, Becky and Fred saw how hospitals and frontline workers were stretched to their limits. They were introduced to Valleywise Health through CEO Steve Purves and quickly recognized its vital role in caring for the community’s most vulnerable. That year, the Pakis Family Foundation committed $1 million in COVID relief to causes throughout the valley, with Valleywise being among the largest recipient. Supporting Valleywise’s frontline staff and emergency services during the pandemic, launched a partnership built on shared values of compassion, courage, and community.
“Valleywise seemed to be the perfect fit,” they recalled. “We wanted to support the health systems doing their best to hold things together during COVID, and Valleywise stood out for its leadership and its commitment to serving everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Since that initial gift, Becky and Fred have continued to support programs that align closely with their personal passions, particularly behavioral health and refugee services. They were deeply moved by the work of Valleywise’s First Episode Center, which helps young people experiencing their first psychotic episode. “Mental health is a much-needed program all over the United States, and Valleywise is committed to it. That is impressive,” they said.
They are equally inspired by Valleywise’s commitment to refugee families who arrive in Arizona seeking safety and a new beginning. “We learned that Valleywise is where so many refugees turn for care,” Becky said. “That really resonated with us. Everyone deserves access to healthcare, and Valleywise makes that possible.”
Even after years of giving, Becky and Fred continue to be impressed by what the organization accomplishes with limited resources. “Even with limited funding, Valleywise rises to the occasion,” Fred said. “They are doing it because it is the right thing to do, and that is worth every penny.”
For Becky and Fred, philanthropy is not a one-time act but an ongoing relationship. They stay engaged by visiting programs like the Diane and Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center, and by staying up to date on the issues that matter most to them. “We really appreciate the opportunity to be engaged with the organizations we support,” they said. “Valleywise has done an amazing job keeping us informed and connected.”
When asked what motivates their giving, their answer is both humble and profound. “Reducing human suffering, that is what philanthropy should do,” Fred said. “If we can impact even one life today, that is justification enough.”
Through their compassion and generosity, Becky and Fred have already done exactly that, helping Valleywise Health continue to rise to the occasion and ensuring that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to heal.
