Creative ways Bellevue neighbors gather for good.
Sometimes, making a difference begins with bringing people together. This June and July, two different gatherings—a lively restaurant fundraiser and an unforgettable evening on the lake—showcased how creativity, hospitality, and a shared purpose can inspire generosity.
An Evening on Hunts Point
On a quiet stretch of local waterfront last month, more than 100 community members gathered for an evening with Pacific Northwest-acclaimed Chef Ethan Stowell. Tickets to this special peak summer dinner that had been auctioned off earlier this year at One Circle’s “One Heart/One Community, A Party with a Purpose.”
The evening, which raised more than $50,000 to support Bellevue children, was hosted by One Circle member Schanon Odell-Ataee and her husband, Tony, along with supporting hosts One Circle member Trish Carpenter and her husband, Collin, and Bellevue LifeSpring Board Member and One Circle Member Val Parrish and her husband, Jerry.
Schanon and Tony transformed their waterfront home into an unforgettable gathering place where generosity, hospitality, and community came together with a shared purpose.
“We really enjoy entertaining and value Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission, so it felt like the perfect opportunity,” Schanon said. “We wanted our guests to feel welcome and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime meal.”
Supporting host, Val, reflected on all the parts that came together to make such a special evening. “It took a village to put this on, and we are so proud that it all came together beautifully: from the Ataee’s beautiful home, to Chef Ethan Stowell and his team, to the beautiful centerpieces, to Kitchen and Market, to Efeste, and to all of the generous attendees who came to support the organization,” shared Val. “This extraordinary group of individuals all care deeply about children and their families in our community.”
Gathering together feels good! Just look at these smiling faces:
Photos above by: Jackie Phairow Photography and provided by Greet West Bellevue Magazine
A Spirited FUNdraiser
Earlier in June, Fairweather Circle members brought neighbors together for its second FUNdraiser at Thai Kitchen Bird Pepper in the heart of Downtown Bellevue.
Guests enjoyed an evening of flavorful cuisine, friendly competition over silent and live auction items, and the kind of good company that makes generosity feel easy.
Thanks to the enthusiasm of everyone in attendance, Fairweather Circle raised over $10,000 to support our mission to break the cycle of poverty for Bellevue children and provide them with the resources they need to reach stability.
“The Fairweather Circle Members value contributions of personal talent and time; working together to create fun and successful community events is something we truly enjoy,” shared Fairweather Circle Member Denise Lane.
Fairweather Circle Member Maggie Vergien reflected on the intention behind the night. “Over the years, we have elected to plan events that are FUN for our members, family, friends, and neighbors. Because our first FUNdraising event at Thai Kitchen Bird Pepper was so loved, our members voted to return there this year. We appreciate the opportunity to also support a local business like Thai Kitchen Bird Pepper, owned by Cindy Gayte, a member of our community. We refer to Cindy and her staff as “the dream team.”
Photos above provided by event guests.
The Heart Behind the Table
“It’s inspiring to see circle members and Bellevue neighbors show up with such enthusiasm and heart,” shared Executive Director Jennifer Fischer. “Some of the most meaningful change happens when people simply come together. These neighbor-driven events are a wonderful reminder that a shared table and a shared purpose can make a meaningful difference for local children.”
Both evenings are a reminder that there are countless ways for neighbors to help neighbors and that sometimes it simply starts with building community and bringing people together around a shared purpose.
When neighbors show up for neighbors, incredible things can happen.
