Bellevue LifeSpring is continuously grateful for our Bellevue neighbors who show up and support local children in need. Gail Craddock is one neighbor whose passion for giving back helps Bellevue LifeSpring prevent hunger and homelessness for Bellevue families every day.
A native of Connecticut, Gail moved to Washington state in 1983 and made it her home. In 2017, she and her husband Steve made a local move to Yarrow Point. Gail first got introduced to Bellevue LifeSpring on a whim! She and her husband attended the annual Yarrow Fest fundraiser, hosted by the Yarrow Point Circle. There, she not only found a friendly group of women to connect with, but she also learned about Bellevue LifeSpring and the children in need right in her backyard. She discovered there are thousands of Bellevue children who are at risk of experiencing hunger and homelessness.
Gail became a Yarrow Point Circle member and made it a part of her life to give back locally. Currently, Gail is a monthly donor whose consistent giving creates a sustainable impact. Gail chooses to make a monthly commitment because it is easier to plan and it feels more impactful to help on a continuous level. “The needs of our neighbors are 24-7, not just at certain times of the year,” noted Gail.
Being an involved neighbor has always been very important to Gail. She credits her growing up in a small town and her professional background working for the YMCA as the drive for her philanthropy.
“My background has always prompted me to support locally and to be a good neighbor. Neighbors helping neighbors is the building block of any great community. It’s from where everything else grows,” shared Gail. Whether it’s as simple as bringing groceries over when someone is sick or shoveling a neighbor’s driveway when it snows, or donating what you can to your local charity — all these acts of kindness create a better community.
Gail and her husband recognize how challenging the COVID-19 pandemic has been on Bellevue’s low-income families. In addition to their monthly giving, they also have been making special grocery shopping trips to donate food to families in need. They both feel that helping local families is incredibly important in a town like Bellevue, where there is a lot to give.
“Our community can only be as good as the weakest person,” said Gail. “I have a grandbaby who is seven months old and I’m so blessed. Now, even more so, I want to make sure she understands that life is about helping others. Just being there for someone else.”
Gail appreciates knowing that the money she gives goes right to helping a family in need nearby: “Giving to Bellevue LifeSpring is a special opportunity to see your contributions do good right here in our backyard.”
Thank you, Gail, for helping to make our mission possible!
Are you interested in joining Gail and supporting Bellevue families during this challenging time? Please consider making a contribution today. Your investments go immediately toward preventing hunger and homelessness for Bellevue kids.
