The Bellevue LifeSpring One Circle hosted the annual One Heart/One Community Gala last month, raising an incredible $297,741 to help prevent hunger for Bellevue children. Hosted at Overlake Golf & Country Club, the energy in the room was contagious, with more than 180 community members raising their paddles to support Bellevue children.
Guests enjoyed socializing, dining, dancing, and bidding on incredible live auction and raffle prizes. One Circle Member, Madonna Messina, shared, “The most rewarding part of this year’s event was feeling the energy in the room and witnessing the results of everything seamlessly coming together. It was the vibe created by our generous sponsors, our members inviting their friends to yield a sold-out event, the beautifully decorated room, the elegant program, and a DJ who capped off the night perfectly! Everyone was enjoying themselves and attended with an open heart.”
The funds raised from the evening were immediately put into action to provide food support and prevent hunger for local children. With an alarming uptick in families requesting food assistance from Bellevue LifeSpring and one in four Bellevue School District students—more than 4,000 children—experiencing food insecurity, the support came at a critical time.
The Heart of Bellevue LifeSpring
One Circle is one of Bellevue LifeSpring’s six Membership Circles. Circle members act as vital ambassadors of Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission to provide stability and self-sufficiency to local children and their families.
“The One Circle is made up of an amazing group of like-minded women with diverse talents that come together to help problem-solve the needs in our community,” shared Trish Carpenter, One Circle Co-Founder and Co-Chair and Bellevue LifeSpring Emeritus Council Member. “Our members understand the challenges children and families face regarding food insecurity, and we know that with our community’s help, we can overcome those challenges.”
The One Heart/One Community event is 100% volunteer-driven, which makes every dollar raised even more impactful. One Circle hosted its first One Heart/One Community event in 2019, right before COVID-19 shut the world down. They raised nearly $30,000. After a three-year pandemic postponement, the event returned in 2023 with a goal to make an even bigger impact. They did just that and raised more than $175,000. Raising even more at this year’s event, it’s clear that the One Circle is committed to bringing the community together to help build a better Bellevue.
“It’s easy to sit on the sidelines, but to be part of a community means to get involved and make a difference in our own backyard. The One Heart/One Community event does just that. To see our community coming together for this event truly warmed my heart. Everyone contributed and gave from their heart,” shared One Circle Member Elaine Pagones.
Many generous local companies and individuals sponsored the One Heart/One Community event. Special thank you to Presenting Sponsor RoundGlass Foundation and Legacy Partner Viome.
Anu Jain, the Vice President of Community Relations at Viome, Bellevue LifeSpring Emeritus Council Member, and a Co-Founder of the One Circle, shared why she stepped up with a leadership investment, “The One Heart/One Community event supported a mission very close to my heart. My decision to make a leadership investment is deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves a chance at a bright and promising future. Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission aligns perfectly with this conviction, as they work tirelessly to empower and uplift the lives of children and their families in our community.”
An Attitude of Gratitude
Thank you to all the wonderful circle members, Bellevue neighbors, event sponsors, and volunteers who made this event a big success for Bellevue kids. Your generosity is not just a statement of support. It’s a beacon of hope for families who turn to Bellevue LifeSpring in their time of need.
“For over a century, Bellevue LifeSpring has provided an opportunity for neighbors to help each other, creating the basis for an interactive and supportive community. The One Heart event is about bringing people together and strengthening our community. On this one special night and with signature One Circle enthusiasm, we connected families in our community in need of support to our extended networks. How fantastic is that?” said Madonna.
