PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation announced a $10 million leadership gift from Fred Kaiser and Grace Borsari, a transformational investment in the Stronger Together campaign that is expanding and modernizing care for Whatcom County and Northwest Washington.
The gift from Kaiser and Borsari, longtime community leaders and cofounders of Alpha Technologies, played a pivotal role in helping the Stronger Together campaign surpass its historic $100 million milestone. Their generosity reflects a deep commitment to ensuring families across the region have access to outstanding care close to home.
According to Chuck Prosper, PeaceHealth Chief Executive, Northwest, “Fred and Grace embody that mission. Their generosity will have an extraordinary and lasting impact on patients, caregivers and families throughout our communities.”
Advancing Access and Modern Care
Kaiser and Borsari’s gift directly supports construction of a modern, unified emergency department, the new Peter Paulsen Pavilion and enhanced rapid patient transport through the addition of a rooftop helipad. These improvements will help alleviate capacity constraints, improve care flow and safety and ensure PeaceHealth St. Joseph is prepared to meet the needs of our growing community.
The gift also strengthens childbirth, gynecological and pediatric services, further reinforcing PeaceHealth’s commitment to compassionate, dignified and high-quality care for patients at every stage of life.
A Gift Rooted in Community
Fred Kaiser and Grace Borsari are widely recognized for their impact on the community. As cofounders of Alpha Technologies, they helped transform Bellingham into a hub for high-tech innovation, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth across the region.
Both grew up with modest means, experiences that continue to shape their approach to philanthropy.
“If I am in a position today to help people, I will,” Kaiser said. “It is empathy for one another that makes giving important. You do what you can, and then you go beyond.” Borsari added, “Health is your number one possession. Every person will need healthcare at some point. When that day comes, you want a hospital that is good, clean and has enough space for everyone who needs it.”
During a recent tour of PeaceHealth St. Joseph, Kaiser and Borsari saw firsthand the challenges caregivers face when facilities are stretched to capacity—an experience that reaffirmed their decision to give. “When you create more space, people can breathe again,” Kaiser said. “The whole system becomes happier and more effective.”
Their shared passion for aviation makes the addition of the rooftop helipad especially meaningful, expanding air medical access and enhancing emergency response capabilities for the entire region.
Investing in a Healthier Future
For Kaiser and Borsari, philanthropy is rooted in responsibility rather than recognition.
“If you help the community, you help yourself,” Kaiser said. “Everyone wins.” Borsari reflected on the community that welcomed them decades ago: “This community gave us a chance. Helping the hospital means helping every person who calls this place home.”
Because of their generosity—and the collective support of donors across Whatcom County—the Stronger Together campaign is shaping the future of healthcare for Northwest Washington. These investments will support caregivers, enhance patient safety, and touch thousands of lives for generations to come.
“The Stronger Together campaign shows what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision for better health,” Chuck Prosper said. “Fred and Grace’s gift is a powerful reminder that we are strongest when we care for one another.”
