Frances Becker, Sr Trust Specialist & PTC Trust Officer at South Dakota Trust Company, and Tim Becker, Senior Trust Officer at South Dakota Trust Company.
Frances and Tim Becker, longtime Rapid City residents, keep their eyes and hearts open for opportunities to help others.
Frances Becker thinks about her late father often. The way he raised her continues to inspire how she and her husband, Tim, give back to the Black Hills community. One story in particular stands out — a story she learned after her father passed away.
Her parents were shopping in a department store. While waiting for his wife in the dressing room, her father overheard a mother and daughter talking about the perfect prom dress that was too expensive. Later, Frances’ father discreetly pulled the mother aside and said, “It would be my honor to buy that prom dress.”
Everyday moments of kindness, grounded in biblical values, were a feature of Frances and Tim’s childhood. Both of their parents encouraged them to remain generous with their time, talents and resources. They’ve always volunteered and donated to nonprofits that empower others with a hand up or fill important gaps.
Over the past decade, they’ve become more intentional about giving — putting it at the top of their priority list. “We’re trying to step out of a box and enhance what we’ve done in the past,” Frances said.
The pair connected with Black Hills Area Community Foundation to open a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) intended for their retirement. They’ll continue contributing to their DAF, like a charitable investment account, while earning an income. Once they retire, their DAF will ensure the pair can continue to give regularly to impactful nonprofits.
“What I like about Black Hills Area Community Foundation is that the dollars stay here and support our community. I think it’s important that we support our community,” Frances said.
Beyond supporting area nonprofits, the Beckers seize everyday moments to give, just like Frances’ father. In this way, giving has become more of an intentional lifestyle, or a habit, for the couple.
“We’re trying to listen better. There are opportunities all over to give back. You just have to open your heart and listen,” Tim said. Sometimes, a need will present itself, like when their church requested vehicle donations just as Tim was about to sell his truck.
Another time, Frances noticed a woman struggling to pay in line at the grocery store. “She ran card after card,” Frances remembers. “I did what my dad did, and just said, ‘It would be my honor to buy your groceries this week.”
Large donations are impactful, they said, but so are smaller gifts. “If you find something that you’re passionate about and it really seems to be making a difference in the world, it brings true joy,” Tim said.
To others in the community, they recommend, “Start young, start small, and be consistent,” and most importantly, “If you see something that touches your heart, do something.”
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