Bellevue neighbor and Clemmie Evans Circle Chair Judy Dugger was honored with the 2024 Trish Carpenter Volunteer of the Year Award at our annual luncheon this past April.
Established in 2014, the Trish Carpenter Volunteer of the Year Award pays tribute to volunteers who have exhibited extraordinary support of Bellevue LifeSpring, often behind the scenes and without regard for acknowledgment.
What makes the Volunteer of the Year Award so special is its unique selection process. Nominees are put forth by their fellow volunteers, circle, and community members and selected by previous Volunteer of the Year Award recipients.
Judy, a longtime member of the Bellevue LifeSpring Clemmie Evans Circle, has served as a beacon of volunteerism for over 25 years. She has stepped up to support and advocate for not only Bellevue children and families but also for our circle membership. She’s passionate about fostering connections within our circles, recognizing them as the cornerstone of our Bellevue LifeSpring community.
From spearheading impactful initiatives to guiding the Clemmie Evans Circle with care and boundless energy, Judy truly exemplifies the spirit of community and has made a lasting difference in Bellevue LifeSpring
Read along as Judy shares what inspires her to give where she lives:
How did your Bellevue LifeSpring story begin?
I have lived in Bellevue for 43 years. My husband and I raised three children in the Bellevue School District, so we have a lot of roots here. My journey with Bellevue LifeSpring began over 25 years ago when I was invited by a friend to join. I have been the Clemmie Evans Circle Chair for 14 years, since 2010, and am now a Bellevue LifeSpring Life Member.
What’s your favorite part of being a Circle Member?
We live in a very wealthy city and county, but I’m thankful that I’m able to help people who are in need and don’t have the means that some of us do. Being part of the Bellevue LifeSpring Circle Membership has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life. The friendships we’ve formed in our circles are so unique and special. We’ve welcomed new lives together and have said goodbye to dear friends. Our circles make our Bellevue LifeSpring community stronger. It’s more than just volunteer work; it’s about building a community that cares, supports, and grows together. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Why do you think it’s important to give where you live?
I feel like this community has changed so drastically, and it’s up to us to welcome and help each other. People go about their busy lives and don’t see a lot of community, but it’s the backbone of everything in society.
What does this award mean to you?
The Volunteer of the Year Award means a lot to me because of the honorees who have come before me and what they’ve done for Bellevue LifeSpring. I feel like I don’t deserve it, but they assured me that I did because of the work I’ve done with Bellevue LifeSpring. It’s been a pure joy to be in this organization and see the impact grow like it has. The award was so meaningful to me.
What is a memorable moment or experience you have?
I’m a 25-year Life Member now, and some of my fondest memories are from the Holiday Giving Program. It was just so special to see the joy that the holiday support brings to the kids. I also love leading the Clemmie Evans Circle in organizing the Annual Circle Member Meeting & Celebration. This event gathers everyone together to celebrate, acknowledge, and engage our full membership in the important work of supporting Bellevue children and families. I’m just very thankful that I’m a part of it.
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We are thankful for you, Judy! Ending poverty for Bellevue children is locally led. With volunteers like Judy, we can ensure that children and families have the stability and self-sufficiency they need to succeed.
Are you interested in learning more about our Circle Membership? Click here.
Inspired by Judy to give where you live and support Bellevue kids? Click here.
