We are constantly inspired and grateful for the community we’ve built here at Bellevue LifeSpring. From neighbors helping neighbors to businesses giving back, there is no shortage of inspiring stories from the individuals who make our mission possible.
Meet just a few of the people who stepped up at this year’s Step Up to the Plate Benefit Luncheon and hear how their Bellevue LifeSpring story of impact began:
Meet Joy Campbell – Community Engagement Manager, Overlake Medical Center & Clinics
Joy’s Bellevue LifeSpring story began with her community-driven work at Overlake Medical Center & Clinics.
“Healthcare begins in the community, and Overlake is part of the community,” shared Joy. “Overlake has been supporting Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission for many years. For us, it’s important that Bellevue LifeSpring works so closely with the Bellevue School District to identify and help the children that need assistance meeting their basic needs.”
Joy stepped up as a Table Captain at this year’s luncheon, and Overlake Medical Center & Clinics was a Silver Sponsor. “At the luncheon, you’re in a room filled with hundreds of people who want to help. It’s indescribable,” said Joy. “Regardless of whatever differences we may all have, we are all here because we want positive change. I love the energy.”
Meet Mike Collum – Bellevue LifeSpring Volunteer – SVP, Umpqua Bank
Mike’s Bellevue LifeSpring story began more than 15 years ago when he joined Umpqua Bank. Mike advocated for Umpqua to step up and sponsor various Bellevue LifeSpring events. Inspired by our mission, he was motivated to get involved more personally and became a Bellevue LifeSpring Circle Member.
As a member, he volunteered in several capacities, supporting everything from our educational programs to our holiday programs. Most recently, you can find Mike volunteering and helping with our Breaktime-Mealtime™ program.
Mike joined us as a guest at this year’s luncheon. Having hosted tables for several years, Mike is no stranger to the impact the luncheon has on our Bellevue community.
“With the Annual Luncheon, you pull out the hanky when you hear the stories and see how the organization has helped Bellevue families,” shared Mike. “That’s the motivation. I also enjoy attending and seeing people I know and get to see every year. Community is all of us.”
Meet Danica Eakman – Bellevue LifeSpring Hunts Point Circle Chair
Danica’s Bellevue LifeSpring story began in 2021 during the pandemic. Danica’s neighbors shared the Bellevue LifeSpring mission with her and invited her to join the Hunts Point Membership Circle.
Danica, who recently stepped up as a co-chair for the group, also stepped up as a Table Captain at this year’s luncheon.
“My husband and I have been on our fertility journey for the last seven years,” shared Danica. “Through miscarriages, failed IUI, and IVF cycles, my heart was called to love on children, and so I joined my neighbors and became a circle member. Joining allowed me to put my passion toward children in a positive way that would impact those in my community who need help now. While we wait for our precious child, Bellevue LifeSpring helps heal my heart by helping those here now.”
Meet Krishnan Iyer – Bellevue LifeSpring Board Member – Microsoft, Retired
Krishnan’s Bellevue LifeSpring story started in 2023 when he joined the Bellevue LifeSpring Board of Directors. His board role with us builds on his seven years of social service on the Eastside and showcases his commitment to equity.
Having lived on the Eastside for 30 years, he has witnessed its evolution. “Bellevue has educated my children, inspired my wife as a teacher, and comforted my parents in their later years, all while accepting me with open arms. Yet, there’s the pressing issue of poverty: 665 of its students are without homes, propelling me into action,” said Krishnan.
Krishnan stepped up as a Table Captain at this year’s luncheon. “I value the Indian community members who’ve shown gratitude by giving back to America. Some of us have started to make our mark, supporting the society that has embraced us,” shared Krishnan. “My goal is to encourage even more to join this wave of generosity, enhancing the fabric of this nation that has generously become our second home, and in doing so, we all find greater fulfillment.”
Meet Israel Perez – Family Engagement Specialist, Bellevue School District
Israel’s Bellevue LifeSpring story began 12 years ago with his work as a Family Engagement Specialist at Highland Middle School. Israel was part of creating the cohesive partnership between the Bellevue School District and Bellevue LifeSpring. Together, we work hand in hand to ensure Bellevue students have their basic needs met.
Israel joined us as a guest, alongside his Bellevue School District colleagues, in support of our mission and Bellevue students.
“Community means supporting each other,” said Israel. “When I fall, you help me get up. It’s not about the stripes that you wear, whatever they are. It is to help a fellow community member when they’re in a bad position. You put your stripes away and offer a hand.”
Meet Keri Pravitz – Bellevue LifeSpring Board Member – Community Engagement Manager, Amazon
Keri’s Bellevue LifeSpring story began with her recent appointment to the Board of Directors. However, Keri has admired the organization for over 30 years.
“I was one of the children in Bellevue who needed support,” shared Keri. “Growing up in a single-parent family home, we struggled. Working for Amazon, I have the honor of seeing first-hand the impact of Amazon and Bellevue LifeSpring’s Right Now Needs Fund partnership on the students and families in our community—families that are going through similar experiences as I did.”
Keri stepped up as a Luncheon Event Co-Chair, Table Captain, and Champion Sponsor. Amazon was a Platinum Sponsor. “As Whitney Houston sang, “I believe the children are our future.” It’s up to all of us to ensure the children in our community have a future where they can thrive,” said Keri. “To do that, we all must literally Step Up to the Plate!”
Thank you for sharing and supporting Bellevue students!
Do you have your own Bellevue LifeSpring story to share? We’d love to hear how you got involved in our mission and why you chose to support Bellevue children.
Connect with us by emailing our Communications Outreach Coordinator, Dzenita, at dzenita@bellevuelifespring.org.
