Capital Campaign Blog
Campaign Spotlight:
Elaine Dodge and Martin Staubus
We are very grateful to Elaine Dodge and Martin Staubus for their generous Leadership Level contributions toward CRC’s Capital Campaign. Elaine’s journey with CRC began as a dedicated staff member, and her connection to our mission has only grown over time.
In this spotlight, Elaine shares the powerful moments that moved her to give—and why she and her family believe in the future we’re building together. Read on to learn how her personal experiences, professional insight, and steadfast commitment continue to shape her philanthropy and inspire lasting change through CRC.
“My life’s work has taught me that even modest, consistent acts of giving can spark waves of transformation. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer efforts, or advocacy, every act of support matters … Together, with shared vision and heartfelt commitment, we can foster a future where dignity, empowerment, and compassionate support are accessible to all.” – Elaine Dodge
Q&A with Elaine Dodge
CRC: How long have you been a supporter of CRC, and how did you first learn about us?
Elaine: I have proudly supported CRC since 2014—the year I joined as Director of Resource Development. In fundraising, leadership starts with personal commitment, so I made my first donation the moment I stepped into my role, ensuring that my actions perfectly mirrored the passion I felt for CRC’s mission. That commitment has only deepened over the years as I have witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact CRC has on our community.
CRC: What inspired you to get involved with CRC?
Elaine: Encountering the transformative leadership of John Van Cleef. His wisdom, seasoned experience, and unwavering integrity resonated so deeply with me that I felt compelled to renew and expand my support. His clear vision, especially as embodied in the One Community • One Heart campaign, reinforced my belief in CRC and inspired me to invest in the work in a much more meaningful way. For that reason, I doubled my support for the capital campaign by giving a second gift of equal size as I knew I wanted to be part of something that would make a lasting impact
CRC: What motivates you to support Community Resource Center and our mission?
Elaine: My motivation is rooted in both personal experience and professional insight. I vividly recall my father’s rare but profound moments of vulnerability: one, moved to tears by a World War II film that honored his service, and another when he recounted the humiliation he felt while collecting government assistance on behalf of his widowed mother, himself, and his little sister. That moment shaped my understanding of dignity in hardship. Later, as a Women’s Studies major interning at a domestic violence shelter, I saw firsthand how financial independence enables women to break free from cycles of abuse and rebuild their lives. The intersection of personal history and professional insight drives my unwavering support for CRC’s mission: to uplift individuals with both practical assistance and fundamental recognition of human dignity.
CRC: Are there particular experiences that have been especially meaningful to you?
Elaine: Absolutely. I cherish the moments when I witnessed the transformative power of empathy in action—like seeing families’ faces light up with renewed hope after attending Holiday Baskets or clients receiving support that helped them rebuild not only their lives but their sense of self. Such encounters, which reveal how even small acts of kindness can spark profound change, serve as constant reminders that our work isn’t just about meeting needs; it’s about restoring dignity and igniting possibility.
CRC: Can you share more about your history of philanthropy?
Elaine: Since moving to San Diego in 2000, I have worked for and with nonprofit organizations, learning how philanthropy shapes communities. My involvement with the Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego Chapter and the North County Philanthropy Council introduced me to many more organizations doing incredible work. I observed countless times how strategically directed philanthropic dollars can yield incredible, lasting impact. Over the years, I have supported every nonprofit I worked for—knowing firsthand how effectively they steward philanthropic support. Serving on the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation’s Board for nine years and chairing its Grants & Initiatives Committee has further reinforced my belief that targeted, purposeful, and thoughtful giving creates real change.
CRC: What aspects of the new CRC campus excite you the most? How do you envision this new space impacting the community and the people we serve?
Elaine: I believe surroundings influence well-being. Imagine a space where the food pantry is intentionally designed as such, rather than created from converted office spaces. The pantry restores dignity to those shopping for essentials, far removed from the stigmatizing image of receiving food in a burlap bag as was my father’s experience. No one should feel ashamed picking up essentials for their family. I see CRC’s new campus fostering quiet, focused spaces for counselors to engage intimately with clients, thereby facilitating deeper, more effective conversations. Enhanced lighting, thoughtfully designed breakrooms, and refreshed interiors will serve as daily affirmations to staff that their community not only supports but cherishes their work. Perhaps most exciting is the message the new campus sends: that our community values and uplifts those doing the hard, compassionate work of serving others.
“This campus isn’t just a building—it’s a beacon of hope, a stage for community celebration, and a physical manifestation of respect and care.”
CRC: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Elaine: My time in philanthropy has reinforced one truth: transformation begins with care. My life’s work has taught me that even modest, consistent acts of giving can spark waves of transformation. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer efforts, or advocacy, every act of support matters. Watching CRC evolve and witnessing its impact on lives continuously reaffirms my belief that every thoughtful contribution makes a difference. I am deeply honored to be part of CRC’s journey. Together, with shared vision and heartfelt commitment, we can foster a future where dignity, empowerment, and compassionate support are accessible to all.
If you’d like to learn more about CRC’s capital campaign, how you can support our shared vision for a new campus, and what naming opportunities are available, please visit the campaign website or send a message to OneHeart@crcncc.org.