Rebecca was an ardent believer that all children and youth should have equal access to education, including girls, children and youth with disabilities, LGBTI, and other underrepresented groups. Rebecca’s dedication to education and energy for her work were legendary, and her impact on global education will be long lasting. She was a mentor, colleague, and friend, and we are all greatly saddened by her loss.

Rebecca’s passion for her work was outshone only by her love of her daughter. Julia Fanta is a sophomore at Northwestern University in Chicago, where she is planning to major in legal studies, neuroscience, or entrepreneurship - or a combination.

Julia Fanta has a scholarship that may cover most tuition, but this is not guaranteed. We are hoping to raise $75,000 to cover college expenses (aside from any tuition costs, her room, board, books, travel to/from home, etc. are estimated at $24,000/year). Any funds not used for direct college expenses will be used to help provide living expenses as she launches her adult life and/or for graduate school. Rebecca was Julia Fanta’s sole source of financial stability.

Rebecca was an avid reader, a lover of dance and musicals, and a frequent traveler. She used to say that her first calling was to the theater, and she considered the song “My Shot” from Hamilton to be her team’s theme song. Rebecca was not afraid to tackle challenges head on. Her spirit is immortalized in the words of one of her favorite award-winning children’s books, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Michael Rosen, 1989): “We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. Oh no! We’ve got to go through it!”

We all offer Julia Fanta our love and support as she heals from the loss of her beloved mother. We hope you will join us to fulfill her mother’s greatest wish – Julia Fanta’s continued happiness and completion of her educational goals. We know of no better way to honor Rebecca’s memory.

Lucy Deakins is a life-long friend of Rebecca's and was asked by the family to assist with this benefit. For information about how money donated to the Julia Fanta Camara Benefit Fund will be managed, please contact: JuliaFantaCamaraBenefitFund@gmail.com

Honor Rebecca Rhodes: Support Her Daughter, Julia Fanta

By Lucy Deakins

Honor Rebecca Rhodes: Support Her Daughter, Julia Fanta

Help Julia Fanta Achieve Her Educational Goals and Start Her Adult Life

Team Members