Local resident Jennifer Stelly and her husband, Jay, moved to Washington state 23 years ago from their home state of Louisiana. Jennifer’s family has called the Medina community home for the past eight years.
Jennifer’s favorite part of living in Medina is the strong sense of community she feels with her neighbors. “Your neighbors can be your greatest support system, especially if you don’t have family nearby,” said Jennifer. “It’s so important to have neighbors you can rely on, that you know will be there for you and in turn, you will be there for them. That’s the sort of community I want to be a part of.”
This love of a tight-knit community inspires Jennifer and her family to give local for Bellevue kids. Jennifer first started supporting Bellevue kids by participating in Bellevue LifeSpring’s Holiday Adopt-A-Family program. She continued her support through the years at Bellevue LifeSpring’s annual events, including the Step Up to the Plate Benefit Luncheon and Uncork the Night: A Celebration of Wine and Giving.
Last year, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating significant challenges for local families, Jennifer and her family made a generous investment to help fight hunger and homelessness for Bellevue kids. “This pandemic has changed everything for some families. I think about the children in our local schools who are affected by this pandemic and the support they need,” shared Jennifer. “Bellevue LifeSpring is helping make sure that they have their basic needs taken care of. Having your basic needs met can change everything. It can give you the security you need to make it to the next day or the next week, whatever it may be.”
Jennifer reflected on the changes happening in Bellevue, sharing that if you open your eyes, it’s not hard to see or hear about the growing need here. With local business closures due to COVID-19, Jennifer is aware that these changes can significantly impact local families who will be out of jobs and struggling to make ends meet.
When it comes to charitable giving, Jennifer stressed the importance of transparency and trusting the entity you choose to invest your charity funds. “When I invest in Bellevue LifeSpring, I feel engaged and I feel like part of the solution. Their team takes the time to share what the current needs are, what it will take to fill those gaps and exactly how our investment is being used to help. For me, having access to this information gives me confidence and assures me that I’m making a difference.”
Jennifer and her husband made their generous investment to support Bellevue kids through a stock transfer – a smart tax-planning move for any investor. When making a significant donation, stock transfers can benefit both the nonprofit and the donor. The contribution to Bellevue LifeSpring and the tax deduction end up being more significant than they would be if you were to donate cash.
Jennifer and her family are passionate about giving back and helping their local community grow and thrive. “It helps us all out in the long run,” shared Jennifer. “I try to impress the importance of generosity on my children by leading by example. I want them to understand the importance of doing what you can to help others and making a difference where you are.”
Thank you, Jennifer and your family, for your commitment to Bellevue kids! Join Jennifer and give where you live today.
