Connections in Caring

When Kierra Phifer (’12) saw the destruction and devastation wrought by the ongoing wildfires that hit Spokane August 1, she knew the Gonzaga community would be pulling together to support each other and the greater Spokane community.

Phifer is based in Tacoma and works for DoorDash, so even though the tragedy unfolding in Spokane is international news, her proximity to Spokane and connections with her fellow Zags gave her added insight into how Gonzaga employees and students are being affected by the fires.

“Spokane was my home for seven years and is home to thousands of Dashers, merchants, and customers who are part of the DoorDash community, and our hearts are with everyone affected by these fires,” said Phifer, Head of West Public Policy at DoorDash. “We moved quickly to protect the safety of our community as this crisis unfolded, and now our focus is on helping local businesses and families. We’re committed to supporting our community partners like Gonzaga University for as long as it takes to recover.”

Phifer was contacted by Phil Tyler, interim director of Campus Security and Public Safety, after a mutual colleague had connected them about a contribution to the Spokane Fire Foundation, of which Tyler is a board member. Tyler suggested assistance for Gonzaga as well, and Phifer said she was thrilled to support her alma mater. Tyler looped in President Katia Passerini and Jeff Geldien, assistant vice president of University Advancement, and the result is an incredible donation of $10,000 in DoorDash gift credits that the University will direct to Gonzaga community members for groceries, health care supplies, pet food, restaurants and more. Tyler said he’s especially gratified that these donations give Gonzaga members agency to address their specific family needs.

“On behalf of Dr. Passerini and Phil Tyler here at GU, we are so appreciative of Kierra and her team stepping up to help Gonzaga support those who have been affected by these disastrous fires,” Geldien said. “The gift credits provided by DoorDash will be immediately made available to members of the Gonzaga community who have experienced loss from the fires. This is a great example of a Zag alum stepping up, and our University leaders working together to make something happen fast!”

Phifer’s outreach to help her fellow Zags is just one example of the incredible support that’s been on display since the fires erupted, both on campus and in the Spokane community.

So great was the outpouring of donations of physical goods like clothes, groceries and pet supplies for the evacuated Zags taking up temporary residence on campus that Gonzaga can no longer accept any more donations at Hemmingson Center as of Friday, August 7.

Instead, those looking to donate physical goods are being directed to the City of Spokane to donate goods. Financial contributions to help fellow Zags can be directed to the President’s Discretionary Fund, which gives Gonzaga the flexibility to direct aid to the highest priority needs as they evolve.